#the second menu screen honestly broke my heart when i first saw it...

[prismatic-starstuff]

Currently thinking about the way Romeo is so important not just to Carlo, but to Pinocchio as well.

It's Romeo's voice that Pinocchio hears whispering to him, right before he changes in a way he never has before; in a way that shouldn't have been possible for a puppet. Even if it's after his death, it's Romeo who finally tells Pinocchio who the true enemy is. When Pinocchio's facing down the Nameless Puppet made of the body of the real boy his father so desperately wanted him to be, Romeo's words are among those precious memories that he recalls; the memories that belong to him rather than Carlo.

Even the second menu screen shows that Pinocchio's heart stayed with Romeo in that burning opera house.

[d0llhousess]

⇢ fandom: daiya no ace ⇢ pairing: miyuki kazuya  x f!reader ⇢ genre: angst ⇢ warning/tags: exes to friends to lovers, so much angst it’s ridiculous, angst w/ hopeful ending, mild language, pining, coffeeshop!au basically, pro player!miyuki 

⇢ summary: you met him at the wrong time of your life, yet fate has awarded you a second chance to fall in love with him once again. ⇢ word count: approx. 3k 

⇢ a/n: let me tell you, being hit with a massive wave of insecurity about your writing through the week you post the most is not fun but like yooo here we are. This is Day 3, and I hope you enjoy it! I’m not too happy with how this came out, but I do hope it reads well for you guys.

⤆ Back to Week of Fic’s Masterlist

It’s hard to recall the moment you first fell in love with Miyuki Kazuya. 

You were young, in your teens, navigating through highschool in the best way possible. He was just a mutual friend of yours; someone to just say ‘hey’ to  when you spoke to Kuramochi. You couldn’t quite remember what led to the two of you hanging out more and eventually going on a few dates, but you clearly remembered the emotions he elicited from you. 

Being with him made all your problems fade to the background, it made you feel, believe, that you were on top of the world. Being in love with Miyuki Kazuya was an experience like no other. Yet, you weren’t his first love. You didn’t hold his heart like he did yours, and eventually the dates faded. He stopped making time for you, and you stopped pushing to be a part of his life. In hindsight, your issues could’ve been resolved with a simple conversation, but both of you were young.  

So, instead of soft words explaining how neglected you felt, your feelings exploded into hurtful, sharp phrases that led to the demise of your relationship. Gone were the lingering touches in the hallways, the soft good luck kisses before a game, the playful teasing remarks between the two of you. He’d faded into a stranger, and when the both of you graduated high school, you stopped seeing him all together. 

There were nights you would replay your relationship in your mind, you would linger on your regret of never mending the bridge between the two of you, because him leaving your life left a slight hole in your heart. Yet, the loudest part in your brain never failed to remind you that communication was a two way street, and that if he truly loved you, he would’ve fought for your relationship. 

But that loud part of your brain didn’t stop you from scrolling though his Instagram feed in the late hours of the night. It didn’t stop you from lingering on the sports article that covered him going pro, and it definitely did not stop you from sinking into a deep funk when news broke of his engagement. 

If you were honest, you felt a bit pathetic. You were still hung up on your highschool sweetheart, and he was about to get married.     

Honestly, how pitiful could you get? 

So, instead of holding onto your dead relationship, you allowed yourself to relive the emotions the relationship elicited out of you. You allowed yourself to come to the terms that while Miyuki was terrible at communication, you were too. 

You both were too young, too immature,  for the seriousness of your relationship, and that was okay. It was okay that things didn’t work out. Sure, lighting doesn't strike twice in the same place, but you were too young to even realize that lighting had struck.  It was okay to have regrets because that’s how life was. It was rare to have the perfect conclusion to, well, anything, and with that realization you were finally able to move on. 

As the years passed, you chased your passions. You attended culinary school, and graduated which eventually led to you opening your own local cafe. It wasn’t much, but it was your own warm little abode that you’d built from the ground up. It was a physical representation of your hard work, and you couldn't be more proud of it. 

Through those years, you didn’t think much about Miyuki. You didn’t scroll through his feed for updates. When you saw a sport’s article with his name in bold letters, you’d turn away from it. He was a person of your past, and you were content with that. You didn’t need to know how he was doing, what he was up to, because you were over him. 

Well you were over him until he walked into your coffee shop. 

It was a normal winter day. The city streets have been recently plowed because of frequent snowfall; the air was bitingly cold, yet the warmth of your cafe brought in a decent amount of customers who couldn’t wait to get their daily fix of caffeine or sweet treat. 

Your mind had been occupied with getting each customer served, that when you heard the familiar chime of the front door’s bell, you only called out a light greeting, not looking up from the cash register as you logged in the current customer’s order. Yet, when you lifted your head, mouth parting to recite your practiced greeting to the next customer, you felt the words die on your tongue. 

Your eyes widened, gaze locking with bright amber eyes that you’d only seen in pictures over the past few years. Your heart speeds up in your chest, and it takes everything in you to still your shaking hands. Never in your life did you expect for him to waltz into your coffee shop, fixing you with that crooked smirk that always seems to make your thoughts stutter. 

You blink once, then twice, before you allow a professional smile to spread onto your face. 

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” You greeted, head tilting as you hoped  that he didn’t notice the way your brain short circuited just moments before, “What can I get for you, Miyuki?”

“I hope you aren’t saying I aged bad,” He immediately responded, drawing out a soft giggle from you. 

You shook your head, denying his claim, because no matter how much you did not want to admit it, he became even more handsome with age. You allowed your gaze to roam over his features as he gazed over the menu that hung above your head. 

You noted how he’d grown just a bit taller, how despite years passing he somehow had the same style of black frames that he had in high school, and how his features seemed to be more pronounced. Before you could linger over his face any longer, you quickly snapped your gaze to the digital screen of your cash register, because you could not be caught checking out your high school ex. 

“What do you suggest?” You hear him ask, and you lick your lip as you thought about your answer, recalling the seasonal drink options and your usual menu. 

“Well, what are you in the mood for?” You eventually respond, turning your gaze back to the man on the other side of the counter, “If you’re feeling festive we have an array of cinnamon or ginger based drinks, yet if you’re a fan of more simple drinks, we have your basic cappuccinos and lattes.” 

 Shifting your stance, you watch as he mulls over your response, eyes still firmly locked on the menu before he waved his hand in an indifferent manner. 

“Just make me your favorite drink.” 

You nod, immediately logging in the order, refusing to allow yourself to think too deeply about the request. He was just here to get coffee. He was just another customer. He was just Miyuki. 

After you told him the total and he paid, you began to work on his drink. You ignored the way he seemed to watch you buzz around behind the counter. You refused to glance at him again. No, you solely focused on the task at hand. 

Once you finished his order, you handed it to him over the counter, ignoring the slight sting of electricity that shot up your arm as your fingers brushed against each other. You watched as he brought the cup to his lips before taking a small sip of the drink, eyes fluttering shut briefly before they met your gaze once again. 

“Oh this is good,” He mummers, and you open your mouth to explain what's in the drink, yet he holds up his hand to stop you. 

“I don’t need to know what’s in it.” He explains, causing your brows to furrow in confusion. 

“But how will you order it again if you don’t know what it is?” 

Miyuki is quiet for a moment, bright eyes roaming over your face as he leans against the counter, “How often are your shifts here?” 

You blink at the question, a bit confused at what he was getting at, “Uh, I’m here nearly everyday.” 

The smirk that spreads onto Miyuki’s full lips and it lets know that you’d fallen for something, yet you’re still unsure of exactly what that something is. 

“Perfect, then you’ll just have to take my order every time I come, right?” He chirps, taking another sip from his coffee cup. 

“Um,” You begin to say, but before a full sentence leaves your lips, he’s already bidding you goodbye, leaving just as fast as he came. 

Throughout the rest of your workday, you’re plagued with thoughts about Miyuki and why on earth did he come to your cafe. Fuck, how did he even find out about your cafe. You attempted to push the thoughts away from your mind, yet they still plagued you even after you’d closed. 

The next day, Miyuki comes into your coffee shop again, but this time he lingers. 

It was a slower day for the cafe; your usual morning rush wasn’t that heavy so you knew who he was the moment the bell chime rang through the nearly empty coffee shop. Immediately, you began to go through the process of making his drink, handing it to him as you began to ring him up.

“Slow day, innit?” He commented, and a small smile played onto your lips.

“Yeah, but that gives me more time to do other things besides just making drinks,” You responded before telling him the price of his drink. 

He handed you the exact amount of money you’d said, causing your brows to raise in slight surprise, but you don’t comment on it. Instead of leaving right after he received his coffee, he remained in your cafe, eyes lingering on your form as you cleaned up your work space. 

He asked you questions, seemingly catching up with all of the things he missed in the years you’d grown apart, and fuck did this puzzle you. Why on earth did Miyuki just randomly breeze back into your life? Why was he behaving as if the last conversation the two of you held didn’t end in scathing words and tears? 

You wanted to ask him this, to demand answers on how he learned about your little cafe, but you didn’t, you couldn’t. You were afraid of the answers to those questions, and seeing him again, even for a few minutes, brought a sense of peace in your life. 

When you gazed into his amber eyes, you felt as if it was the very first time you’d seen him all those years ago. You’d missed the banter he brought, you missed his jeering, you missed him. You wished you could press rewind on the clock, to go back to the very moment of your relationship’s demise, yet you couldn’t. 

Besides, you were getting ahead of yourself. To him, you were sure he just viewed this as catching up with an old classmate. He was happily engaged, and just engaging in a purely friendly conversation. At least, you thought he was engaged until he informed you that he’d broken off the engagement nearly a year ago. You don’t have much time to respond to him after this confession, because he’s wishing you a goodbye. 

Yet, just like the day before, your thoughts are riddled with him. 

You can’t help the bubble of curiosity in your chest. Did he seek you out for a sense of familiarity after a failed engagement? Was it purely chance that he’d walked into your cafe? You didn’t know, and frankly you were slightly afraid of the answer, but you knew that you needed to ask him these questions. 

It takes weeks for you to build up the courage to ask him the questions that swarmed in your mind the moment he left your eyesight. 

Sure, he still came to your cafe, ordering the same thing nearly everyday, engaging you in light conversation topics that filled in the gaps of the years you’d miss of his life. He told you about university, about the pro league, about how he was in general. Yet, his engagement was never brought up. 

He’d ask you about your life, and you’d found yourself telling him about it rather candidly. You told him about the slight funk you fell into after graduation (of course you didn’t tell him the reason for the funk), about culinary school, about opening the cafe. 

The unspoken questions linger in the air between the two of you, and though you find yourself tentatively growing closer to the man that visited your coffee shop nearly everyday, there was something actively holding you back from him. 

So, when he walked through the door of your cafe after nearly a month of being your number one customer, you decided that this is the day that you’d ask the questions that’d been causing you to keep him at arm's length. You fall into the routine of fixing his drink, and as you hand it to him, instead of giving him your usual playful greeting, a question falls from your lips in a jumbled up mess. 

 “How on earth did you find out about my cafe?” 

Miyuki’s gaze widens behind those black frames, and his usual smirk is dropped from his face. The pair of you look at eachother, minds filling with unspoken words, and the nearly empty cafe is so quiet that you’re sure he can hear your heart hammering away in your chest. 

“How about we talk about this after you close?” He offers, and you nod as he paid for his coffee (the exact amount of cash like always), and bid you farewell. 

The rest of your day is spent in an anxiety induced haze, until you’re flipping the open sign closed. Nursing a cup of your favorite warm beverage, you wait for Miyuki at one of your window seats and a mere five minutes pass before he’s walking into the cafe, discarding his snow littered coat. He sits beside you, thanking you for the drink you’d prepared for him as well. 

The two of you are quiet, unsure where to start. Years of tension hang in the air, and you can feel your leg begin to bounce out of sheer nervousness. You hear Miyuki chuckle softly and your eyes shift to his grinning face. You raise a  singular brow in question, and he shakes his head. 

“It’s just funny how you still do that,” He comments, and you then halt your bouncing leg, soft laughter breezing through the warm air of the cafe. 

“You know what they say,” You responded, facing him fully with a soft smile, “Old habits die hard.”

Miyuki’s grin melts into a smile that mirrors your own, and just a bit of the tension dissipates. You open your mouth to apologize for the rather random question that led the both of you to your current position, yet before you can even utter a word, he begins to tell you about the events that led him to your cafe. 

He told you about how devastated your breakup left him, about how you broke his heart, about how he knew he broke your heart as well. He tells you about how thoughts of you plagued his mind all throughout your time apart, about how he yearned for a simple “do over.” Then, he begins to tell you about his  engagement. A part of you wants to tell him to stop, because you don’t want to hear about the man you’d loved for years falling in love with another person. 

Yet, you allow him to continue because he needs to get this off his chest, and you need to hear it. 

You listen to him as he recounts the engagement, at how the relationship deteriorated into something toxic simply because he refused to let go of his love for you. Your hands began to shake around your coffee mug as you listened to him admit that the reason called off his engagement was because of you.

You nearly begin to cry. 

You don’t know what to think, what to say. 

A part of you wants to throw your arms around him, to weep into his chest about how much you missed him, but another part needs him to finish recounting his tale. So you anchor yourself to your seat, encouraging him to continue. 

Finally, he tells you about how he heard about your little cafe. He tells you about how Kuramochi mentioned it in mere passing when they were catching up, and about how he couldn’t resist seeing you again.  By now, your heart is beating so heavily in your chest, that it’s nearly hard to breathe. 

Here he was laying his heart out bare for you to judge, to even reject. He wasn’t the boy that you’d turned your back on all those years ago. He didn’t brush off your questions with jokes, no, he answered them truthfully. 

He was being vulnerable with you, and never in a million years would you have expected Miyuki Kazuya to approach you with his heart in his hands. You exhale shakily, hands removing themselves from your now cool mug, before you placed a soft hand over his larger one. 

“Kazuya,” You breathed out, facing him fully, if he could bare his heart to you, then you could do the same, “I never stopped loving you.”  Your confession fills the air between the two of you, and your hand squeezes his closed fist that rested on top of the table.

 “Even after all these years, Kazuya,” You whispered to him,“I’m still in love with you.” 

A mere second passes before his lips are on yours, and the same electricity you felt clap through your body from your very first kiss with him, strikes through you. Goosebumps littered your forearms as you melted into his embrace, pressing your body even more closer to his. 

Apparently, lighting did strike in the same place twice.

[pockyxx]

“ kitty-cat cafe ”

kuroo x reader 

genre: fluff. (kuroo’s s/o works at a cat cafe, he finds out.)

With your boyfriend’s birthday coming up you desperately wanted to buy him something nice but at the same time you were broke. You’d gone back and forth with newspaper ads, looking for the best place to work that would also fit in with your school schedule. 

So, when a position for a waitress at a cafe just a quick train ride from your house and a flexible schedule-- it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Not to mention the pay was great. 

The job was never suppose to be permanent, and you knew that which was your subconscious reason to not tell Kuroo. It just seem too complicated to tell him about it. 

He’d ask questions like: why do you even need a job? Or he’d mention something about the required attire for the job. It was the only downside; having to wear a maid-like costume along with a cat tail and a cat ear head band. 

The school day was over and looking down at your watch your shift started in just over thirty minutes, which gave you plenty of time to get there and to get into uniform. 

“Hey kitten, you staying to watch the practice match?” Tetsuro asked, slinging his arm over your shoulders, stopping you from making your way to the train station. 

It had been apparent how much you’d been absent at his practices and it made you feel awful but then again, you weren’t going to tell him about your employment. 

“I’m sorry babe but I can’t today, I, uh, have to help my grandma with house chores.” That had been one of your more convinent excuses since Kuroo had already met your grandmother before. 

He sighed before letting you leave but not without a kiss to your forehead. Pressing your lips as you walked to the train stop, all you could think about was Kuroo’s disappointing expression. 

It’s only for a couple more week, you reminded yourself. His birthday was just around the corner. 

-- 

“Hello Master, welcome to the kitty-cat cafe!” You flashed a fake smile at one of the customers as you ushered him to a table, offering a menu, “i’m y/n so if you need anything, I’ll be here to serve you.” 

Even though you had a cheerful tone, you felt absolutely exhausted and just wanted to go home and sleep. Only two more hours left on your shift, though, so that was a positive. 

Running back from the kitchen to the tables, you’d received a great sum of tips although it didn’t make up for the aching in your feet. The shift was nearing it’s end and there was just one more table you needed to wait on before heading home. 

“Welcome Master, to the kitty-cat cafe! I hope you’ve had a paw-some day!” You’d been sorting menu’s in front of your face and didn’t notice who was sitting in front of you until it was the moment to introduce yourself. 

“Y/n?” The quiet voice asked, tone dripping with shock. Your mouth falling open, you looked down to see Nekoma’s second year setting staring right back up at you. 

“Kenma?!” You almost screamed but managed to keep your voice low to not cause a sense, “what are you doing here?” Your tone was snappy. He looked at you, then to his surroundings, like it was a trick question. 

“I was getting a video game from the store down the street and I wanted to eat something.” He took the menu that you’d just laid down into his head, “what are you doing here?” 

Groaning and pinching your nose, you realized you’d have no choice but to explain to not only Kenma but inevitably to Kuroo. 

“I’m trying to save up some money-- mostly to buy Tetsu a gift for his birthday.” You mentioned. 

“So I guess he doesn’t know about... this.” He was referring to the frilly outfit you had. Nodding, you looked down at your feet, almost shamefully. 

“The gift is suppose to be a surprise. So I didn’t really want to tell him so if you could-” 

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell him.” A wave of relief washed over you at the pudding head’s promise.  “Now can I have an apple pie?” You gave him a genuine smile before going back to the kitchen to take his order. 

-- 

It was a Friday afternoon and coach Nekomata had let them have a rest day, considering how hard they’d been working the whole week. It was also a day you had to work a double shift. 

“Kuroo, you don’t have to come with me to the game shop.” Kenma insisted, knowing that you’d be close by and he respected the promise he’d made you just a week earlier. 

Kuroo frowned as they took their seats on the bus. They’d planned to hang out in the evening so he didn’t understand why Kenma didn’t want him around. 

“But I want to look for something in that shop too, I heard they’re selling periodic tables with studio ghibli characters on it so I want to check it out.” He turned his head from the setter. 

Kenam huffed, leaning back in the train seat, trying to focus on the level he was playing on his switch while also coming up with an excuse to ditch Kuroo. 

“I just want to go alone.” He muttered, eyes shutting at the ‘defeat’ written on his screen. He looked up at the raven haired boy, “I need to go alone... for personal reasons.” 

Kuroo’s mouth dropped into an ‘o’ shape as he started to connect dots that weren’t really there. He smirked down at his junior, 

“Kenma, are you meeting a someone there?” He wiggled his eyebrows, teasing his friend, only to receive a dirty look from him. Rolling his eyes Kenma knew that he’d just have to take a risk. 

-- 

Kenma help his breath walking past the kitty-cat cafe, hoping Kuroo would pay no mind to it and thankfully he didn’t. At least the first time they passed it.  

Now, it was nearing evening and the two had spent their day at the video game store only to walk past the cafe on their way to the train station. 

“Kenma, I’m hungry, why don’t we stop and have something to eat?” 

“I’m not hungry.” He quickly shot back, trying not to seem extremely suspicious. Although Kuroo wasn’t buying any of it. 

“I doubt you’ve anything to eat besides this place looks...” He dragged off looking through the window of the cafe. His eyes then proceeded to widen, feeling his mind go blank as he saw one worker in particular. 

“Is that?.. y/n?” He turned to Kenma who was avoiding eye contact, he really didn’t want to get involved in your relationship drama. “Oh my gosh, it is.” He stated, slowly walking to the door the the cafe, he needed an explanation. 

They were greeted by a different girl as Kuroo noticed you slip back to the kitchen, not sure if you had seen him walk in. 

“Hello Master, welcome to the kitty-cat cafe!“ The waitress introduced. Kuroo’s heart sped up, is that what you said to every customer who walked in? As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he got a little jealous. “Someone will be back shortly to take your orders.” 

The boys sat down at a booth, Kenma unbothered while Kuroo rested his head in his palm, mind racing on what he was going to say to you. He didn’t even know how to properly react to this situation, it seemed like something out of a girly manga. 

While on the other end, you were walking up to the table you were suppose to wait on when he recognized two familiar sets of hair. Your heart stopped. You turned, shaking your head, not believing what was happening. 

“Hana, I’m not feeling well I think I need to leave early.” You lied as your coworker looked at you and then back to the customers. She raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. 

You went and sat by the back door, bringing your legs in your chest. It felt awful having to lie to Kuroo about your job but it felt even more awful that he had to find out like this-- you were certain he’d seen you, or why else had Kenma willingly come in? 

“Y/n?” You finally break a little bit, tearing up as you covered your face with your hands. Kuroo’s voice was calm given the circumstances. “Are you alright?” 

Shaking your head, you looked up at him, taking a deep breath and standing up. You were still in the cat themed maid outfit, trying to hide your embarrassment. 

“Baby, I can explain honestly.” You put your hands up in defense, sighing in defeat. “This job is only temporary.” 

“I’m not mad that you’re working here, a little upset all these other guys get to see you in such a cute outfit... but I’m just a bit angry that you didn’t tell me.” He stated, it was understandable but you tried to ignore his statement that he was jealous of all the other male costumes (although it would be funny to bring up later). 

“It’s just, I don’t understand why you needed to work, if ever needed something you could’ve come to me. You know how close our families are too.” He was right, you’d known Kuroo since childhood and had been dating him since your last year of middle school. You sniffled, finding your way into his arms. 

“I just needed some money, that’s all.” You whispered, biting your lip you decided it was time to spill the beans. “Truth be told, I just wanted to buy you a nice gift for your birthday. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier” 

He laughed hysterically, pulling away from the hug, hands on your shoulders, scanning your adorable outfit one more time. 

“I think this sight is a gift enough.” He grinned as you fell back onto his chest, cheeks red. He placed a gentle hand on your back. You knew looking back on this moment would make the two of you laugh. 

“I have to go change, my shift is just about over.” You wiped the tear stains away while Kuroo nodded. 

“Come back to the booth with me and Kenma.” He gave you another reassuring smile. You nodded your head, making your way back to the staff room to take off your uniform. 

-- 

The night sky was out and it was just you and Kuroo walking along the empty sidewalk on the way to his house. The moon shone brightly and casted beautiful shadows on his face. 

“I just wanted to say sorry again, for everything.” You mentioned to him as he stopped in his tracks, taking your frowning face and cupping it with his hands. He scanned over every part of your face, every curve, freckle and even pimple. 

“Y/n you don’t need to apologize.” He ran his thumb over your blushing cheeks, “it’s okay and honestly, I’d put on a maid costume for your birthday too.” He chuckled as you rolled your eyes, someone expecting more romantic words to come out of his mouth. 

“I think I might just take you up on that offer.” Now it was Kuroo’s turn to flush a deep shade of red while looking away from your eyesight. Giggling, you placed your ear against his growing heart beat. 

Kuroo rested his chin on top of your heart, squeezing you into a hug. He mumbled something thinking you wouldn’t hear it. 

“After my birthday though, you better quick, I don’t want anyone else’s eyes on my s/o.” You jotted that down mentally, making sure to not only hang up the maid costume but to tease him for being so jealous. 

[goodlucktkachuk]

Frantic -- Matthew Tkachuk (Pt.3)

a/n: here we are back at it again with part 3! this was honestly my faviourite one to write so far so I hope you guys enjoy it!

Part One  Part Two

It was a lively Saturday night in downtown Toronto. The streets were full of people shuffling into restaurants and bars. The boys were away on a roadie down the east coast which meant you had your best friends all to yourself. You loved Nick to death but it was good to get some quality time with Emily. Hand in hand, the two of you shook off the cold as you entered The Loose Moose.

This place was an absolute institution for you guys, it was packed full of memories. Endless arguments over that night's game, many wins celebrated and losses mourned. Stupid fights over who was covering the tab and countless nights of Auston or Mitch throwing you over their shoulder because you were getting a bit too feisty. The sweetest memory of all though was Nick meeting Emily for the first time. She had just moved to the city for school so you took her out with the boys to show her some fun. The second Nick saw her he was down for the count and in love ever since. You wondered if Matt felt the same way about you.

It wasn’t overly crowded tonight giving you guys the chance to sit in your regular seats at the end of the bar. It had become a tradition for you and Emily to go out to catch the game while the boys were away.

Nursing your first beer while you looked at the menu, Emliy huffed beside you.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t understand why I’m wearing a flames jersey��� She played with the sleeves, a sour look across her face.

“Because I wore Muzz’s jersey the last time we went out.” Your voice extremely uninterested.

“So? You love Jake!”

“Yes but I also love Talbot, listen, Calgary's playing tonight too so you just gotta suffer.”

“God you suck” She said, taking a long sip of her Tequila Sunrise.

“Do you want to split a poutine or just share some apps” She scoffed at you and you just flash her a toothy smile as she begins to pout.

The rest of the night went smoother. After many plates of food and maybe one too many beers you felt good. The Leafs won their game and you guys got several dirty looks for cheering a bit too loud. You couldn’t help how excited Emily tends to get when Nick does anything and several drinks made you more than proud of Mitch.

The second period of the Flames vs Kings game had you on edge of your seat. Given his history, you knew Matty was going to cause some trouble but you hoped to god today he wouldn’t. You made sure to message him before the game but you weren’t sure if he actually saw it. Looking away for just a second  as you signaled the bartender for another drink was enough time for gloves to be dropped and for Matt to start throwing punches.

Keeping your eyes glued to the screen you couldn’t move. You had seen him get in a million  fights before but this felt different. You couldn’t help but feel something twist in your stomach and your cheeks started to get hot. You weren't a fan of the violence but watching him really turned you on. Watching a smirk cover his face as he headed to the box, you’d give anything to know what was going on his head. Distracted from the fight you had missed Emily taking pictures of your concentrated face and getting someone to take a picture of you two from behind in your jerseys.

As the game went into intermission, you took to instagram posting the photos. The first being the Talbot and Lindholm jerseys the two of you had on followed by the photo of your intense concentration. Captioning it, ‘when the boys are away the girls get too into the game’ you hit post.

After a few minutes comments started flooding:

marner_93: gross

morganrielly: @marner_93 second that

nickrobertson01: I really hate you Y/N, we all know Em looks better in blue

Emm01: @nickrobertson01 I was forced, I’m wearing your sweater under this

matthew_tkachuk: getting closer, the right team but still the wrong last name!!

austonmatthews: @matthew_tkachuk nah it’s the wrong everything

fredrikandersen31: I feel so betrayed

-----------------------------------------

After a bitter fight, the Flames came out with a loss and you had come out of the bar way more drunk then you had intended. Being pushed into the uber and having Emily lay your head on her lap you closed your eyes and sighed heavily wondering how Matty was doing. The more you thought about Matt, the more you thought about how Auston was acting about the two of you talking. Tensing your shoulders, a frown covered your face. Your friend could feel you tense up and she started rubbing small circles into your back. Talking to you drunk was like talking to a full grown toddler.

“Whatcha thinking about there, mini.” she hums softly.

Mumbling slightly you said, “Auston”

“Why's that?”

“Mm-making me feel weird about Matty” A smile crossed your lips as you said his name.

“What do you mean hunny?”

“Calling me a pest, looking at my phone, getting way too protective, very uncool of him.”

“I thought him and Matthew were friends though? Why would he care what Matt does?”

“Aus heard us talking after the game.”

“Y/N sweetie, he can’t be mad about that.”

“Heard me say Matty needs to see what is under my jersey.”

“Excuse me!!!”

“Shhhh Emmy. Too loud.”

“Sorry love. Why would you say that?”

“He told me to go to the game in red.”

“When did he tell you that? Did he DM you?”

“The morning before the game when I did pregame coffee. Ruined his hoodie” Pausing you turn slightly to look up at Emily. “I really like him.”

Emily decided you had answered enough questions for the night and just smiled back “Oh Y/N, I’m sure he likes you too.”

The rest of the ride was silent as Emily played with your hair, letting you drift to sleep until you guys got home. She brought you upstairs and helped you get changed. As she did you spoke soft whispers about all the reasons you liked Matthew which made your best friend laugh. In the five years she’s known you, she never had seen you be this head over heels for anyone. It was refreshing. She tucked you into bed and told you she was going to call Nick and to just yell if you needed her. Once your door was closed, you got the brilliant idea to call Matthew. After what felt like struggling forever to find your phone you finally got it and listened to the rhythmic sound of the phone ringing. His voice was rough when he spoke almost as if you had woken him up. Which of course you did.

“Hello?”

Chirping almost like a baby bird you dragged out his name. “Matthewwwww!”

“Y/N? What are you doing up so late?”

“Emmy and I went to the bar to watch you play baby!” Suddenly everything clicked into place in his mind and he realized how trashed you were.

“Awh thank you princess. Did I make you proud?”

“The PROUDEST babe but your fight made me feel…” Trailing off in the middle of the sentence.

“Feel what sweetheart?”

“Ya know, feel…” You added a little spicy to your voice.

“Oh,” he said as everything fell into place in his mind “did I turn you on princess?” His voice became raspy as he waited egerly for you to say something.

Your side of the phone remained silent for a few seconds before you sprang into another topic.

“Ou! Ou! Ou! Wanna hear what I told Emmy tonight!?”

He laughed slightly as you avoid his question. “Sure sweetheart, lay it on me.”

A smile crept onto his face as he placed his phone on his chest and relaxed into his bed. For the next ten minutes you proceeded to tell Matthew everything you liked about him. You liked the way he wore bandanas to push his hair out of his face. How good he was with kids. You spent at least half of the time reminding him how hot he was when he got into fights or when he went to the gym or for just existing. You talked about how good he was at hockey and how much he cared about his family. As you came to the end of your rant you took a quick pause.

“Would you like to know what I like most about you Matty?”

“What’s that Y/N?” He said sweetly, a stupid grin plastered to his face.

“You make me smile.” Matthew couldn’t help but blush thinking about how happy you were.

“Good. I hope that’s all I ever make you do princess.” Giggling madly, you snap a picture of your smile and send it to him.

“You’re beautiful Y/N”

“Thank you.” You take a slight pause just listening to his breath. “Goodnight Matty.”

“Goodnight princess.”

Meanwhile, down in Boston the boys were out celebrating another victory. The bar they were in was packed with people and everyone was having a good time. They were all packed into two booths in the back of the bar each taking turns getting pints of beer for the tables. Auston made his way to the bar with Muz trailing close behind. As they waited to be served Aus put his head in his hands.

“What's wrong buddy?” Jake asks with a confused look on his face. Auston was never one to be stressed around the group

“I’m just worried about Y/N.”

Putting a firm hand on Austons shoulder, Jake just shrugged “Listen man I get what Chucky said was a little much but the kids always doing stupid shit like that.”

“I don’t know Jake.” He sighed as he reached for the pitcher of beer. “I did team USA with him and he broke the heart of every girl who looked his way. I don’t want that happening to Y/N ”

Jake just nodded and they headed back. Auston had good intentions but his execution wasn’t going the way he had hoped.

[evilmuffinlord]

Better Together-Chapter 8- Party Rockers

On to chapter eight, in which a party is attended, friendships are forged, and one kidnapping is foiled.

Thank you to everyone who has been so patient with this fic. I’m sorry it’s taken so long to get this chapter completed. Hopefully the next one won’t be quite as delayed.

Read it on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19985089/chapters/64346437

Or on FF.Net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13359634/8/Better-Together

Cover art by: https://mari-lair.tumblr.com/

Teaser below cut

“So, who’s ready to party?” Mina asked the crowd that had assembled in front of the school gate.

To her utter delight, the entire class had gathered there once school had let out. Sure, some looked bored, others hesitant, and Bakugou had needed to be physically dragged there by Midoriya, but they had all come in the end.

She’d honestly been expecting at least a few of them to skip out, given what they’d gone through that day. If she hadn’t been the one who had organized the whole thing, she would have been sorely tempted to. She’d put her all into the battle with Midoriya and Mineta earlier, and there was a very vocal part of her that just wanted to go home, soak her feet, and watch trashy T.V. for the rest of the evening.

But here they all were, ready to come out and have a good time with her. Her heart swelled with gratitude, and she promised herself that she would turn it up to eleven and be the best host of the best party that any of them had ever attended.

“I am!” Kirishima called, slipping into his role as ultimate wingman with ease.

“I must admit, I am rather excited as well,” Yaoyorozu said demurely. “I have never had the opportunity to visit a public karaoke parlor, especially not with friends.”

“Do you have strict parents?” Kaminari asked. “Or are there just no good karaoke places where you live?”

“Oh no, the movie theater we have at the house comes with a karaoke function. But neither of my parents particularly like karaoke, and asking one of the maids to join me felt rather disingenuous, since they would be obliged to participate no matter what their feelings on the subject.”

Mina took a moment to be absolutely blown away by the fact that Yaoyorozu’s family apparently had a private movie theater. It was obvious that the girl was rich, both from the way she acted and from the way she dressed, but that was another level of wealth entirely. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever met someone that well off before.

What she was sure of, however, was that she was definitely going to set up a girls’ night at Yaoyorozu’s place sometime. Now that would truly be an evening to be remembered.

“Well then, we’ll be sure to make your first time extra special,” Mina said, ignoring Mineta’s snort of laughter over the comment.

“My thanks,” Yaoyorozu replied.

“No problem!” Mina said, flashing her a bright smile. Then she clapped her hands together to draw everyone’s attention. “C’mon everyone! Follow me if you wanna have the best time ever!”

---

“You really know how to pick em Raccoon Eyes,” Katsuki said as they arrived at their destination.

Izuku would never say anything, but he had to admit the karaoke spot Ashido had chosen was a little… underwhelming. 

The building was a graffiti-covered concrete square tucked into a back alley, with only a small sign above the door to let them know that they had found “The Karaoke Cave.” The few visible windows were covered with thick paper to prevent any light from leaking in, and the door itself had seen better days.

Izuku was actually rather surprised to see so much graffiti, given the fact that they were still relatively close to UA. Most delinquents wouldn’t be willing to openly act out so close to the campus. He silently hoped that they wouldn’t run into the delinquents responsible. He had no desire to meet people that bold and rebellious.

“How about you try finding a place that will take a party of 20 students on short notice, and that we can still afford?”  Ashido said, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at Katsuki.

He grumbled a little, but didn’t say anything further. Ashido apparently took this as a victory, since she let a grin spread across her face and turned to face the group.

“Look, I know it doesn’t look like much, but that just means we have to make it fun for each other. So put on a smile, and get ready to sing your hearts out, because I’m making sure every one of you gets up on stage at least once!”

Izuku swallowed hard. He had been counting on blending into the background so he wouldn’t have to sing anything. It might still be possible for him to do that, but considering that Ashido was already looking at him and grinning evilly, he highly doubted it.

“You guys better be prepared to be awed!” Kaminari said, adopting a ridiculous pose that involved him crossing his arms in front of himself and extending his fingers into peace signs. “I’m an expert rapper!”

Jirou suddenly broke into a coughing fit that sounded suspiciously like suppressed laughter, leaning on Yaoyorozu for support. The reaction took a lot of the wind out of Kaminari’s sails, but did little to deter Ashido.

“That’s the spirit! C’mon guys!”

She led them into the lobby where a bored woman was in the middle of painting her nails at the front desk. 

“We have a reservation under—” Ashdio said, only to be cut off.

“Through the door over there, the third room on the right. You have it for three hours,” the receptionist said, not looking up from her nails.

Ashido deflated a little at the receptionist’s attitude. “Awww, you’re not even gonna let me say it?”

The receptionist shook her head, and finally turned her gaze towards them. “Nope. We get people putting down joke names every day, and I’m tired of it. If I hear one more person registering as the Donner party, I’m going to scratch their eyes out.” To emphasize her point, she flexed her hand and her meticulously painted nails suddenly lengthened and became razor sharp claws.

“Okaaaay,” Ashido replied, backing away slowly, “we’re just gonna go sing now.”

“Have fun or whatever. Don’t make a mess,” the receptionist replied, returning to her cuticles.

“Did you really put us down as the Donner party?” Uraraka asked, once they were a safe distance away from the terrifying worker.

“Nuh uh,” Ashido said, shaking her head, “I put us down as ‘Mina and the Chipmunks.’ I have no idea why she started talking about reindeer.”

“I believe she was referring to a different Donner,” Yaoyorozu said with a chuckle.

“Well that’s just confusing,” Ashido replied, pouting slightly.

Before their conversation could continue any further, they reached the room that they had rented.

To Izuku’s surprise, it was much more inviting than the exterior of the building would have implied. The room was large enough to house their entire class with only minimal squishing, and plenty of couches and chairs for everyone to have a seat when they weren’t singing. These were arranged around a large table that was covered in various menus and song lists. A pair of tablets were resting on it as well, with charging cords trailing off behind one of the couches and presenting a tripping hazard if they weren’t careful. Finally, a large T.V. took up most of the right wall, displaying the words ‘Karaoke Cave’ bouncing around on the screen while it waited for someone to use it.

“Whoa, this place is way nicer than I thought it would be,” Kirishima said as he stepped into the room.

“Yeah, I was kind of expecting a dump from the outside. Nice pick, Mina!” Hagakure said, dropping onto one of the couches. 

Ashido, for her part, looked relieved that everyone had come around on the venue. A massive grin was plastered across her face, and she was bouncing slightly as she looked around the room.

Izuku was glad to see her so happy. A part of him had been worried that she would take her loss during their mock battle earlier that afternoon hard, and maybe even hold it against him. Instead, she seemed to be just as upbeat as ever. 

“Yo, what’s with this song selection?” Kaminari called, brandishing one of the tablets over his head, “I haven’t heard of any of these.”

Jirou picked up the second tablet, then snorted when she saw what was on it.

“I bet you only listen to the top forty then. This stuff is old school. Like, I think my parents have a few of these on vinyl.”

“Perhaps they only feature songs that are in the public domain?” Yaoyorozu ventured.

“Maybe. Hope you guys like classics,” Jirou replied.

“Eh, I’ll make do. Now, let’s get this party started!” Kaminari said, picking up the tablet once more.

“Hold on a moment!” Iida said, loudly enough to grab everyone’s attention. It took a few moments for everyone to quiet down, which Iida took as a chance to move to the front of the room where they could all see him easily. 

“Given that Ashido was the one who organized this event, I think it is only proper that she is allowed to sing the first song. Assuming she wants to, of course.”

“I agree,” Yaoyorozu said, standing up as well, “If there is anyone who deserves to go first, it is the hostess.”

A chorus of agreement followed the statements, as well as some applause for the one who had brought them all there.

“Awww, thanks guys!” Ashido said, flushing a little bit at the applause. 

“Thank us by singing an awesome song!” Kirishima called.

“Now that I can do!”

Read the rest on AO3 or FF.net! Links available on my tumblr page if they get broken here again.

[miki-snake]

A/N: This is nothing but a stupid crack fic (no x reader) that shouldn’t be taken seriously, dedicated to @drabblily​ and @visaintes​! Actually, I had quite some fun writing it and it came out of an impulse of wanting to write smth for the both of you. Thank you for making me laugh and here is smth stupid for you two to read, hope you can enjoy it ahdahjfaf also it was really weird to put my own name in it but i didn't want to use a random name;;

Chicago was buzzing with the streets full of people passing by and the street lights flickering above the stores. The sky was cloudy, looking like the next free shower might not be too far away. Luckily, Vi catched her train and it seemed like she might have enough time to reach her destination before the rain would start pouring down on her. Her heart was beating heavily inside of her chest, though not from running but from the nervousness she felt. Honestly, she wanted to turn around and go back to her room so she could rest on her bed, silently reading the new book she bought yesterday. It was all so stupid really, why was she doing this? What did Lily think when she wanted Vi to come with her.

She arrived at the agreed spot, a rather small restaurant that was mostly known by the locals and less by the tourists.

It had a nice flare, more on the modern side but the cushioned seats and wooden interior made it seem quite comfortable. Looking around the room Vi couldn’t see the familiar brunette, only one or two couples sitting at a table and some older men sitting at the bar near the entrance. A blonde young woman came up to the front door where she was currently waiting. 

“Hello, can I help you? Did you reserve a table?”, the waitress, Ally the name tag said, asked her. “Oh, yeah I had a table for four? But I think one of my friends is already here. So,...”, right in that moment the door in the back opened and she could spot her 5’2ft friend coming out of it. 

“There she is.”, Vi told her and pointed right at the girl, who was walking straight at the both of them. “Alright.”, Ally replied and stepped aside, so Vi could walk over to her friend. Nearly reaching her, Vi could clearly see how Lily tripped and almost fell face first on the ground. It was hard to not just straight up laugh at the scene but Vi contained herself 'cause she didn't want to catch too much attention of the other customers. A small chuckle did escape her lips though and Lily just shot her a friendly glare, straightening up again.

"Finally you're here, what took you so long?” Lily asked her as the two of them hugged each other as a greeting. “I told you that I had college today, just be glad that I catched the train or else you would’ve been alone with those two guys.”, Vi replied, thinking about how mad Lily would’ve been if she’d bailed on her at the last minute. The two of them were supposed to meet up with guys, actually two friends of their friend Miki. 

Guess, it was their fault for complaining to her, especially Vi, who always jokes about wanting to get dicked down after one of their thirst nights. “So, care to explain who we’re actually meeting and why we’re doing this again?” It was not like Vi wasn’t a bit excited, Miki wouldn’t push them to meet the guys if they weren’t at least decently looking with nice personalities but still, the outcome of tonight might be questionable. “Stop complaining we’ve talked about it many times now and we’ve promised Miki to go through with it at least for an hour or so.” Lily and Vi moved over to their table, which was situated at the back of the restaurant, two chairs and a cushioned bench. Even though it looked quite modern, the kitchen specialized in traditional japanese cuisine but some dishes had a american twist here and there.“

Who had the idea to come here? I live in Chicago and I didn’t even know this place existed.”, Vi asked her friend, who was already looking through the menu. “It was the suggestion of one of the guys that we’re going to meet soon. Apparently he visited Chicago many times already and on one of his visits he found this little store. I’m not mad though, it does seem quite nice.” Lily replied and Vi had to agree, it seemed quite comfortable and even if the guys turn out to be not that good, she might as well have a nice meal. “Alright I’m gonna go to the bathroom before the other two are arriving.” Vi said as she slipped out of the booth and Lily couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, just look twice if you’ve locked the door.” That’s when both of them broke out in laughter, remembering the panicked words Vi texted in their group chat as a woman opened the door when she just took a dump.

___

Sitting alone at the table, Lily wondered when the two guys would turn up. She knew that her friend wouldn’t introduce them to someone so carelessly but there was still a bit of a risk there. What if they did look good but were assholes? No one needs that in their life. Actually, she was really relieved that Vi didn’t leave her hanging. For a short time she was pretty anxious because her friend wasn’t there yet but the moment she saw Vi walking through the door, a stone fell off of her chest. She opened her phone to check the time, it was currently 6.50 pm and they were supposed to meet up at 7, so a little time was still left. A new message popped up at the top of the screen and with a click her chat with Miki opened.

Miki: Are they there yet?

Lily: No, but they still got some time left so dw. It’s still a bit strange tho, you met those guys before right?

Miki: Yeah! Why else would I want to introduce them to you two? Those guys are just great and believe me when I say that you guys will like them😼👍🏼

Lily wanted to text back but a rather loud voice startled her, making her look up from the  phone. When she met the face of the person, who just surprised her, she swore she forgot how to breathe for a second. The boy that was standing right in front of her table was just gorgeous. He had spiked up hair with dark roots and light grey frosted tips. His eyes were shining brightly in a golden hue and his smile was as bright as the sun itself. He was rather tall but that was nothing compared to his bulky statue, the grey shirt he was wearing nearly bursting from the impressive muscles he had. He wore a simple pair of black jeans to his shirt and from what she saw, she could already tell he had a great ass. Damn, what was this fine piece of man doing here, standing right in front of her when she was supposed to meet two random guys her friend wanted to introduce to her. 

“Sorry uhm, are you Lily?” The handsome guy in front of her asked chuckling and Lily realized that she was just blatantly staring at him without saying a word. Shaking her head a bit she tried to get back her composure and smiled back at him. “Yeah I’m Lily.” She answered without wondering how the hell that guy knew her name. “Oh great! I thought I was lost for a second ‘cause I didn’t know where you’d sit and when I asked the waitress just told me to look here in the back.”, his voice was loud but not annoying, just loud enough to show how excited or energetic he was and honestly she liked his voice quite a bit.

“So, my friend who was also supposed to come went to the toilet so I’m just gonna introduce myself first.”, the still nameless boy said before he stretched out his hand for her to take it. 

“I’m Bokuto, Bokuto Koutaro! I’m currently training to get into the first V-League in Japan and I’m pretty confident that they’re gonna scout me soon.”, he told her with a self-assured smile. Normally she didn’t think that highly of guys who thought so much of themselves, though somehow he didn’t seem like just some big talker with nothing to back up his words but she truly believed what he told her, she’d probably even cheer for him. 

“Oh wow, that’s impressive! Well, I wish you all the best and also nice to meet you Bokuto.”, she took his hand, shook it and that’s when she registered that this guy could actually be the person she was expecting to meet tonight. Well, he did talk about how he searched for her and he had a friend with him and also, he already knew her name. While Lily was still trying to comprehend the situation, Bokuto sat himself down on the seat in front of her and already started to talk about something, asking her questions to get to know her. How the hell was she supposed to survive this without constantly staring at the person in front of her. 

____

Vi pushed the door of the bathroom, but instead of it smoothly opening up, the door abruptly stopped and a low groan could be heard behind the door. Rushing outside Vi could see a young man standing behind the door, one hand holding the door and the other holding his nose, face scrunched up in pain. “Oh my god, sorry!”, Vi exclaimed as she closed the door and moved to the person in pain. He shook his head and lowered his hand from his face. She nearly stopped in her tracks looking at the soft and yet sharp features of the guy in front of her. He… was just beautiful. How can someone like him exist? It’s like he just came out of one the animes she always loved to watch. 

“It’s all good.”, he told her and oh god, his voice was so smooth, just like silk. “Uhm, are you sure?”, she asked again because she felt guilty for slapping his pretty face with the door. “It’s fine really, no need to worry.”, he chuckled as he looked at her and Vi suddenly felt exposed to his eyes. Well, if he was looking then she could take a peek at him too right? He wore black turtleneck with a light brown coat hanging loosely around his shoulders, combined with a pair of light blue jeans, but what really got your attention were his ocean blue crystal like eyes. A light cough brought her back to reality and she could see a light red flush on his cheekbones as he tried to avert his gaze.

“I’m sorry but I have to go, please try to avoid hitting someone with a door again okay?”, he teased her and she did feel a bit disappointed that he had to leave but that’s when her brain reminded her that she was also here to meet someone. “No promises but I’ll try.”, Vi said and moved to go back to her table. 

As she approached her table she could already make out one guy sitting at the table with Lily and the both of them seemed to be quite invested in each other. Weren’t there supposed to be two? Well, maybe he was also on the toilet, Vi shrugged it off and continued walking.

“Hey, hey, hey!”, the actually quite cute boy in front of Lily exclaimed as he saw her getting closer. “Look who finally came back from the toilet. Come on Akaashi, don’t leave us waiting any longer!”, as he said that Vi turned around and there he was, the same guy she shoved a door in the face was standing there.

The Akaashi guy just gave her a small smile and looked over to the loud guy, “Don’t be so loud Bokuto, you don’t want to disturb the other people here, do you?”, Akaashi teasingly scolded Bokuto and Vi just stood there and watched the scene unfold in front of her. She wanted to run away, far away.

“Finally we’re complete! Bokuto that’s Vi and Vi that’s Bokuto, the other half of the two we were supposed to meet and I see, you met Akaashi already.”

Lily spoke up, a little smirk sitting on her lips. 

Ignoring the implication Lily made there, Vi just greeted Bokuto and introduced herself once again, as she slipped into the booth with Lily. Akaashi sat down in front of her and before anyone could say anything the waitress came to ask for their orders. “Sorry but we still need a bit of time to look for the food but maybe we could start with the drinks? I’d take a glass of water please.”, Akaashi told the waitress and then looked at Vi to continue.

“Oh, for me a glass of water too please.”, Vi said and instantly Akaashi spoke up again, “How about we just get a bottle of water? We could get two glasses and that’s probably more convenient.”, Vi just nodded her head, smiling at his attentiveness. 

Next one was Bokuto, “I think I’ll get lemon ice tea, oh wait maybe peach? Hmm, you know what I’ll settle with raspberry.”, he happily announced and Akaashi just let out a small laugh and shook his head.

“Well, I would like to get a mango smoothie, thank you.” Lily said and Bokuto's eyes seem to sparkle even more. “Mango smoothie sounds great! Wait, can I change my order to that please?”, he excitedly asked the waitress and his smile was so innocent, no one could be mad at him. The waitress repeated the orders and when everything was checked, she left to get the drinks. 

So, now it was time for them to take a look at all the food they had. The menu was very broad and a lot of the Japanese cuisine was listed on it. Lily was pretty sure though that she’d take some ramen, it’s her favorite after all, but the sushi looked damn good in this restaurant. “Do you already know what you want to eat?”, Bokuto’s voice came up behind the menu. He looked expectantly at her and it was crazy how she’d always had to smile when she looked at him. She didn’t know if it was because he was really happy today, but somehow she felt like he could radiate this happiness all the time.

“Yeah not completely, I really want to get some ramen but the sushi also looks pretty good but I don’t think I could eat one bowl of Ramen and a whole set of sushi.”, for one minute Bokuto looked like a confused puppy, thinking about what she just said and it was so adorable, she was really tempted to pat him.

“How about you get your ramen and if you want some of my sushi, I’ll gladly give you some pieces. That way you don’t need to buy any extra sushi but still get to taste some.”, he smiled proudly at her, probably impressed by himself that he got that idea. Lily had to chuckle, he was such a big guy, if he wanted he could fling you right across the room but he was actually nothing but a hot sweetheart. “But I don’t want to eat your food away!” Lily remarked because she didn’t want to come off as someone who would just feed off of others, but well that’s probably just her thinking too much again. Bokuto laughed at what she just said, but not just a small one but a full hearted laugh. “Don’t worry, I order a lot anyway!”, he said, trying to convince her that they should go with the way he suggested.

While those two continued their rather loud conversation, the other half of the table were still looking silently through the menu. Looking up from the menu Vi caught Akaashi already watching her and the two of them let out a small laugh. “So, it was your idea to choose this restaurant? I have to say it’s really nice but even though I live here I’ve never heard of it. How did you find it?”, Vi asked him to try and spark a conversation. “Well, I did an apprenticeship here in Chicago for college one year ago and made some friends here. Since then I visited Chicago quite often and the place I worked at was right down the street, so my colleagues and I came here sometimes after work to take a bite.”, he explained to her and it was like she was hypnotized by him, hanging on every word that passed his lips. 

“What did you do?”, she had the urge to know more about him, about this crazy good looking piece of man. “It was a small publishing company and I worked there as an editor for half a year.”, he replied to her. Editor? So not only was he charismatic, kind and a beauty but also a fan of literature? Bingo.“Did you decide on something to eat already?” Akaashi asked her suddenly and she nearly forgot about the fact that they still needed to order. “I think I’ll take some sushi but they just have such a big selection I’m not sure what to get.” And it was true, the menu was huge, ranging from simple to the most special looking sushi. “How about we both order different things and share?”

Akaashi suggested it to her and she had to smile because once again he was being attentive. “Sure, I’d like that.”, she answered and both of them smiled at each other.

Right before the waitress came back both of the girls phones vibrated and they took a glance at the message they both just received.

Miki: I can already see the thirst night coming about those stupidly good looking gentemens. yw. 

[everythng-is-blue]

It’s Always Been You

wowww look who's finally posting something 😂 i'm so sorry it's taken me ages to write something but it's a new year so i figured i should start posting more often, so here you go! i made it a bit longer than i usually do bc it's been so long, you’re welcome lol i hope you enjoy x

(Lucille's face claim in Madeline Ford)

(Y/n) and her best friend Lucille, who she had known for basically her entire life, walked down a busy street in the city they lived in, the cold winter air chilling them to the bone. Being used to it by now, they didn't seem bothered by it in the slightest, the both of them cracking up at a story Lucy had told about something that happened after work the previous day. Eventually, they made it to their go-to spot, a small cafe that they went to at least two to three times a week. At this point, the owner knew them and most of the people that worked the register knew their orders by heart.

They sat in their favorite booth, the one in the back next to the window, sighing in relief as they did so. Lucy rubbed her hands together, trying to warm them up. (Y/n) laughed at her attempt, and Lucy pouted, then joined in.

"I cannot believe Janine had the audacity to schedule us on different days this week," Lucy rolled her eyes, tossing her long, auburn hair over her shoulder.

"Oh, I know," (Y/n) agreed, her eyebrows knitted together. "We're inseparable and she knows that. We've always worked the same shift since we started there over a year ago, why is she suddenly—"

"Shut up," Lucy interrupted.

(Y/n) looked at her in confusion. "What?"

"Shut up," Lucy repeated, holding her hand up next to her as she stared at someone past (y/n)'s shoulder.

She followed her friend's gaze and saw an attractive guy standing at the counter, seeming to be in deep thought as his eyes skimmed the menu board in front of him and his fingers pulled at his bottom lip. It took (y/n) everything she had to look away after a moment, bringing her attention back to her friend who she could tell had no intention of looking away from the guy any time soon.

"Luce, you're going to start drooling if you don't look away." (Y/n) teased.

Her comment broke Lucy out if her trance, and she gave her a dirty look.

"He has to be the hottest man I have ever laid eyes on," Lucy said as she fanned herself.

(Y/n) rolled her eyes, but she couldn't have agreed more. The guy was very handsome. But she felt as if she wasn't allowed to think that. Her best friend liked him, though she hadn't even met him yet, and she saw him first. Was it wrong that she wished she could get to know him? Was she a bad friend for thinking he was attractive too?

"Shit, he's looking over here," Lucy panicked, her face looking calm as she picked up her phone and started scrolling.

(Y/n) dared to look behind her, locking eyes with the guy. He smiled at her, and she returned it, her heart beating fast. Of course, his smile was gorgeous too. She turned back around, Lucy only looking back up after she did so, smiling and waving at the guy.

Her smile quickly turned into a frown. "Aw, he's leaving. I didn't even get to talk to him."

"Probably because you didn't even try to," (Y/n) quipped, and Lucy scoffed at her.

She laughed the whole thing off, pretending to listen to her friend go on about how she's going to meet him again one day, when really she thought about how relieved she was that Lucy didn't get a chance to talk to him. But also feeling guilty that she was relieved by that.

...

It had been yet another exhausting day at work, and since Lucille had plans, (y/n) decided to go to the usual spot on her own, something she hadn't done in ages. Usually, on the rare occasion that her friend had other things to do, she'd just go home and find something to do there. It was after careful consideration of that fact that (y/n) realized she probably needed more friends.

She walked up to the counter, having to tell the person her order because they were new. As she waited, she got lost in thought, then felt someone tap her shoulder. Turning around, her eyes were met by light green ones, that in an instant she realized had belonged to the guy her and Lucy saw there the other day.

"I'm sorry to bother you, I just wanted to say hi. You know, since I didn't get to last time."

"O-oh yeah, right, hi," (Y/n) stumbled over her words, mentally kicking herself for it. "Nice to finally meet you."

The guy chuckled, and it took everything she had not to melt to the floor. His laugh was adorable, his voice deep and melodious. She could listen to him speak for hours.

"The pleasures all mine," He grinned.

Before either of them could say another word, (y/n)'s order was ready. She took it from the cashier, thanking them, then stepping aside to let the guy order. She had planned on waiting long enough to get his name, and maybe get to know him a bit, but as felt her phone vibrate, she looked at the screen and saw that Janine messaged her and said that she had left something of hers at work and needed to come to get it. Without even giving it a second thought, she walked out of the cafe.

She had ran into the guy a few times after that day, most of the times being while she was with Lucy, but he was always busy talking to some other guy, and usually left before Lucy even knew he was around. But not before (y/n) could notice him, of course.

But it was when (y/n) ended up at the cafe alone again that she saw him once more, behind her in line, and decided to finally speak to him.

"Jesus, dude, are you stalking me?" She jokingly accused, causing him to scoff playfully. "Like, should I call the police, or?"

The guy chuckled. "If I were to admit to stalking you, would that lessen my chances with you? If so, then I'm definitely not doing that."

As she went to reply she realized she was next in line, so she ordered, stepping aside and allowing him to order as well. She wasn't sure why she was waiting for him. It's not like he had asked her to, but she just felt as if she should.

After he had finished ordering he stepped over towards her, allowing the line to continue moving, chuckling lightly once more.

"I just realized I didn't catch your name last time." She continued.

"I'm Harry," He said politely. "And you are?"

"(Y/n)," She replied.

"And your friend?" He asked.

(Y/n) would be lying if she said that him asking about Lucy didn't give her a slight feeling of jealousy. And what for? She had no clue.

"Um, Lucille," She told him.

He nodded. "I felt as if I should ask. Just so next time either one of you are staring at me I can come over and we can just talk instead."

She scoffed. "I do not stare at you! Lucy definitely was the first time, but I never have."

"Sure, (y/n)," He teased.

After a moment, both of their orders were ready, so they grabbed them, and he and (y/n) walked out together. She was still in disbelief at the fact that this was even happening. But soon after questioning it she soon decided to just enjoy the moment instead.

"Are you always this quiet?" Harry said jokingly.

Her eyes got wide. "No, sorry, I just... have a lot on my mind, so."

"Well, I'm here to listen if you need to talk about it." He affirmed.

"Thanks," She sighed. "But I'll spare you the boring details of my nonexistent life. I'd honestly rather you tell me about yourself."

He laughed, looking into her eyes for a moment before looking ahead, taking a sip of his drink, (y/n) doing the same. "Okay, um, I'm a veterinarian. I recently started coming to the cafe during my breaks, as the office is in walking distance. But I'm actually off today, so."

"Wow, that's a really cool job, I just work at a clothes store." She admitted.

"Clothes are cool too," He tried, causing them both to crack up.

They talked for a long while that day, Harry showing her this path that he usually strolled down when he, himself, had a lot on his mind. During this excursion, (y/n) had completely forgotten the fact that she was getting to know the guy her friend had a crush on. Lucy was the last person on her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a pressure she didn't quite notice was there lift off of her shoulders. She wasn't worried about what her best friend wanted her to do, she only cared about what she wanted for a change. And she decided that it was a good, overdue change.

She and Harry started hanging out often, and whenever Lucy asked (y/n) to hang out, she had plans more often than not. And her friend started picking up on that. She couldn't help but wonder who she was hanging out with, considering she was her only friend, at least that she knew of anyway.

It had been almost two months, and Harry and (y/n) had become very close. They'd hung out every chance they could, excluding the times Harry had plans, who she always assumed were with his friend, Niall, who she had met a few times. After a week and a half, Harry invited her over to his place where she met his dog, an old great pyrenees named Winslow. Since then, she, Harry, and Winslow have had multiple cuddle sessions. And since she has gotten so close to the dog, he was a little mad the night they kicked him out of the room to hook up for the first time. They decided to try and make it up to him, (y/n) even going to the store and buying him a bone, and he quickly forgave them.

In those two months, Lucy and (y/n)'s friendship had become very distant. Both of them could feel it, but neither of them brought it up. The most they ever talked was at work and the occasional dry text conversation that ended as quickly as it started. One day at work, Lucy decided it was about time to address the elephant in the room. As (y/n) organized a section of clothes that were supposed to be folded, Lucy spoke up.

"What are you doing this evening? It's been ages since we've hung out and I think a night in eating takeout is very needed at this point."

Harry had to work late that day, and Lucy was right. A night in with her friend couldn't hurt.

"You're absolutely right, that sounds like a perfect idea. I'm in," (y/n) agreed.

...

After getting the food and deciding on a movie to watch on netflix, the girls slowing warmed up to their usual banter.

"How did we let things get this distant?" Lucy questioned. "I mean, we've been joined at the hip since we were four."

"I have no clue," (y/n) lied. "I've just gotten so busy, I hadn't even realized it was happening until you had said something."

Lucy inspected (y/n), getting a confused look in return, then all of a sudden looking as if a light bulb went off in her head. "You've been seeing a guy, haven't you?!"

(Y/n)'s eyes got wide at her comment. Before she could lie and deny it, Lucy spoke again.

"Ha, I knew it!" She said giddily. "No wonder you've had this glow about you. You've finally got laid. I'm so happy for you."

(Y/n)'s eyes got even wider, which she didn't know was even possible, as her jaw dropped. "Okay, no, that's not happening, I—"

"Come on, you can't lie to me, we both know that." Lucy smiled knowingly.

Oh, she had no idea, (y/n) thought to herself.

"It's okay to admit it, I mean, I've kinda been seeing someone too." Lucy admitted.

"Wait, what? Who?" (y/n) questioned, taken aback. Had she finally moved on from Harry? Could (y/n) finally not feel guilty about basically dating Harry?

"So, you know that guy that we saw at the cafe a couple months ago? The one with the curly hair and dreamy eyes?" Lucy explained.

(Y/n) felt her heart in her throat. All she could do was nod, signaling for her to continue.

"Well, he and I ended up hanging out." She told her.

"Really?" (y/n) said, completely in shock. "How did that end up happening? What did you guys do?"

"We actually bumped into each other while I was on a run on one of my days off, and got coffee and walked along this beautiful path that leads to the park, and we had the best time. And he invited me out for drinks saturday night, so I'm guessing he wants to keep seeing me. Can you believe it?"

"Wow, that's great, I'm really happy for you." (y/n) tried to sound as convincing as she could.

But as Lucy droned on about Harry, (y/n) couldn't help but run everything Harry had ever said or did over in her mind. Did he tell her friend the same things he told her? When he was supposedly out with Niall, was he really with Lucy? Had he brought her back to his place too?

(Y/n) waited a while, then made up an excuse in order to leave. She felt as if she was going to be sick the entire drive home. She couldn't even fathom what she had just been told. It only took a few minutes to make two months feel like a complete lie.

She ignored every call and text she had gotten from Harry after that night. It was almost a week before Harry decided to show up at her job in a desperate attempt to speak to her. But when he walked in, he saw her talking to a guy she worked with, the both of them smiling and laughing. Harry felt a pain in his chest, automatically thinking the worst. He stormed out of the store, getting his car and driving back to work.

(Y/n) had confided in Logan about the Harry situation, seeing as he was a guy and maybe he could give her advice from a guy's perspective. And seeing that she was upset made him upset for her, so he decided he was going to do whatever it took to make a smile appear on her face, bonus points if he got her to laugh. And he did, making him proud of himself.

"Thank you," She said as she caught her breath. "I really needed a laugh. I don't think I've even smiled since that day"

Logan grinned. "You're very welcome. And look, if this guy doesn't realize how amazing you are and finally give you his undivided attention like you rightfully deserve, then let him go. But also keep in mind that us guys tend to do stupid things that end up messing things up because of how much we like someone."

"That is the most confusing advice anyone has ever given me." (y/n) raised an eyebrow.

"Hey, I tried," Logan chuckled, putting his hands up in defense. "You came to me, remember?"

(Y/n) joined in his laughter, playfully hitting her coworker with a shirt she was about to put on a hanger.

She tried her best to forget about the whole thing, deciding to let whatever happened happen. That is, until sunday, when Lucy walked up to her, an eager look on her face.

"I have to tell you about last night."

After remembering what last night was, (y/n) wanted to do anything but hear how it went.

"I actually have to help Tanya unbox things in the back," She told her, suddenly happy that she was about to do something he usually dreaded.

"It'll only take a sec, I promise!" Lucy grabbed (y/n)'s shoulder as she walked passed her. "I'd wait until after work, but I can't keep it in much longer."

(Y/n) sighed, turning to face her reluctantly.

"I'll just cut to the chase." She said, looking around, then lowering her voice to a whisper. "Harry and I hooked up."

(Y/n) felt as if her heart had stopped. Harry knew damn well that Lucy was her best friend. So what, did he sleep with her to get her back for ignoring him? She had a right to do so, seeing as he had hung out with her friend behind her back. But now he was sleeping with her?

(Y/n) turned away from her, muttering a "good for you" and walking to the back to help Tanya. When she wasn't speaking, with anger in her eyes, Tanya figured she should give her space, and (y/n) mentally thanked her for it.

After work, (y/n) found herself waltzing over to Harry's, knocking on his door frustratedly. He opened the door, his face going through a range of emotion, from shock to happiness, then shock again as he let her in and shut the door.

"I cannot believe you, Harry." She said in disgust, crossing her arms over her chest.

His brows furrowed. "Do you mind telling me what I did? Because I don't think I've done anything to you."

"You haven't?" She scoffed in disbelief. "So lying to me, and going behind my back to hang out with my best friend isn't doing anything to me?"

He studied her face, confused as to where her anger and accusations were coming from. "What the hell are you going on about, (y/n)?"

"Oh cut the shit, I know you and Lucy had sex." She fumed. "I never thought you were the two-timing type, but I guess I was wrong about you."

It was Harry's turn to be in disbelief.

"Do you seriously think I'd do that?" He questioned, crossing his arms as well.

She laughed sadly. "I dunno, I didn't think you'd take her to that path you showed me, then invite her out for drinks, but you sure as hell did that."

He raised his eyebrows, then laughed himself.

"I'm surprised you're even talking to me right now," He deflected. "I thought you were blowing me off for that bloke you work with? You both seemed so keen on each other when I came in the other day."

(Y/n) was absolutely pissed that Harry was turning this around on her. How dare he accuse her of doing what he did. She was so livid, she heard herself speak, only realizing what she had said after it was out.

"You know what? You're absolutely right, Harry. I mean how could I not be after he and I hooked up?"

Harry narrowed his eyes at her, putting his tongue in his cheek, then nodding to himself as he chuckled coldly. "Well, go on then, love. Run on back to your boyfriend and stop wasting your breath on me."

She stared at him for a second, then turned around and stormed out, leaving Harry to think about what had just happened.

thank you so much for reading, you can find part two here and if you have any other imagine ideas feel free to request them, requests are always open x

[glassc0ffin]

Feedback

hee hoo i wrote a tma fic in the form of frankies statement to the institute

words: 2245

warnings: none, except for phil collins and thrown staples

pairing: oc (frankie james)/jonathan sims

[[MORE]]

FRANKIE JAMES:

-That a tape recorder? It's so cute! We've been trying to get one for the station, just so we can say we have one - y'know, to impress the hipsters - but they're well out of my budget. How did you get one?

ARCHIVIST:

I - Uh, it was here when I got the job, it was my predecessor's.

JAMES:

Wow, well, I'm jealous. [GIGGLES] A little tempted for thievery…

ARCHIVIST:

...Right. Would you like to begin your statement?

JAMES:

Oh, yeah, of course.

ARCHIVIST:

Alright. Statement of Frank James, radio DJ at -

JAMES:

Frankie. 

ARCHIVIST:

[PAUSE] Frankie James, radio DJ at Tranzishon Rock, London, regarding…?

JAMES:

Uh, a series of...obscene phone calls from an unknown person. 

ARCHIVIST:

Recorded direct from subject by Jonathan Sims, head archivist of The Magnus Institute, 21st of September, 2019. Statement begins.

JAMES:

Ah, so, okay. [SIGHS]

ARCHIVIST:

...Are you alright?

JAMES:

Yeah, I just… [SIGHS] I have a hard time...getting words out. I'm not...articulate.

ARCHIVIST:

Would I be able to help?

JAMES:

How would you? It's in my head.

ARCHIVIST:

[SIGHS] You'd be surprised. [PAUSES] When did it start? The phone calls.

JAMES: 

On my show. I have a radio show at Tranzishon, late nights, 7 till 10, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Towards the end of the show, from 9 till 10, we do a requests hour. Listeners call, or text, or tweet, or send a carrier pigeon, to ask us to play songs. The last one is only if they're fancy.

ARCHIVIST:

[SNORTS]

JAMES:

[PAUSES]

ARCHIVIST:

[PAUSES] Sorry. You were saying?

JAMES:

[LAUGHS FAINTLY, A LITTLE BREATHLESS] Ah, yeah, erm… [AMUSED] I can't quite remember where I was…

ARCHIVIST:

The requests hour?

JAMES:

Yes! Okay, so, er, I was announcing the requests hour, reading out our phone number and the twitter account, and as soon as I had finished reading the phone number, we got a call. I- We've got a small team of techies - well, two - that handle incoming calls, texts, tweets, whatever. One, Paul, looked up from the switchboard at me and put me through to the listener, and I did my usual spiel. Y'know: [RADIO VOICE] You're listening to Frankie at Tranzishon rock, dear listener, what's your request?

[NORMAL VOICE] And they didn't say anything. There was dead air for a couple of seconds, then as I began to say 'Anybody there?' my headphones are blown out by the sudden high volume. The person on the other end must have been right up on the mic, because there was an immense amount of feedback and white noise. I'm sort of thankful for that, 'cause it nearly covered up what they had to say.

[PAUSES] [DEEP BREATH] I... don't want to repeat what they said. Suffice to say, the techies had some lightning speed reaction time when they cut off the line. There was more dead air as I tried to recover from the shock, I think I made a joke about them wanting the number for Babestation instead.

ARCHIVIST:

[LAUGHS]

JAMES:

[PAUSES] [LAUGHS, WEAKLY] Yeah… Ah, so, w-we banned that number so they wouldn't call again, and I ended the show with Pretty Fly (For a White Guy) by The Offspring. Because I cope with bad experiences by burying them with humour. 

[UNDER HIS BREATH] Give it to me, baby. [EVEN QUIETER] Uh huh, uh huh. 

[COUGHS]

Uh. Anyway. I went home, had my day off, and went back into work the next night and tried to forget about what happened. And for the most part, I did. The first 2 hours passed without incident, and then when I announced the requests hour, I joked about the caller the other day. My techies looked at each other nervously as I laughed. I gave them a questioning look, but said nothing. I'd ask them after the show. I read the number and twitter and waited for the requests to roll in. Again, we had another phone call straight away. I said my spiel, and my heart was in my throat as I waited for the caller to speak. I looked at my techies. Sheena, my other tech, shrugged at me. I sighed, about to give them a signal to cut them off and answer someone else when the feedback returned, louder and more harsh this time. I threw my headphones onto the desk in front of me, but I still heard the words spilling out of them.

[SWALLOWS] Y'know that scene in Silence of the Lambs? Where Lecter asks Clarice to repeat what that other inmate had said to her? Y'know - [SOUTHERN AMERICAN ACCENT] 'He said, I can smell your cunt.'

ARCHIVIST:

Good lord.

JAMES:

Yeah. It was a bit like that. There was a lot more...squelching with mine, though. Ugh. The techs cut the call, as I knew they would. I was more than a little pissed off. I started playing a song someone had tweeted and turned off my mic, turning to my techies. I asked them, why didn't you ban them like you said you would last time? Sheena said she did, that she guessed they were using a payphone or something to harass us. Paul tentatively asked if we should inform the police, and I told him to F off. We've had no help from coppers in the past when we had Nazis and TERFs flooding our lines calling us all sorts of shit, why would they help now? Cops avoid gays like the plague unless its for propaganda. So, Paul backed down. 

Before the song ended, I quickly mentioned that maybe we shouldn't take calls anymore, just texts and tweets. I didn't want it to come to that, not really. I ended the show again with a song from a small local band, earning me a shoutout on their twitter. That felt good, at least.

I went home, picking up a 6-pack of Stella on the way. I wanted to make sure I slept that night. As I sat on the tube, a good 20 minute journey to my flat, my phone began to ring. At that moment, it didn't strike me that it shouldn't have been able to get any reception underground, yet there it was, ringing in my hand. I was more annoyed at it interrupting my music, but I answered anyway. It was the same fucking caller. I couldn't hit the 'disconnect' button fast enough. But I still heard what he said. [LAUGHS SHAKILY] At least the guy has some imagination. Never the same thing twice. [VOICE BREAKS, STUTTERING] I looked around the tube to see if anyone would be witnessing my quickly approaching panic attack, and finding no-one in the compartment with me, I broke down. The next 15 minutes passed with a blur, and then I reached my station, tears stopping as fast as they had came. 

I stepped off the tube and started walking in the direction towards my flat, and my phone started ringing again. My breath caught in my chest as I froze on the pavement, phone vibrating away in my pocket. I picked it up, screen lit up and facing toward the ground. Slowly, I turned it up, half shutting my eyes, as if the person on the other end wouldn't be able to see me if I couldn't see the phone. [SIGHS] Stupid. It was my mum's phone number. I answered, talked with her for a little bit - she lives a ways away, I don't get to see her a lot - and said goodnight when I got to my flat. I got blackout and passed out on my couch when I got in. Yeah, I know I'm a lightweight. When I woke up at 12pm, my TV was still on, replaying the DVD menu for Black Christmas - the 1974 version. I guess in my Stella-crazed state I was desperate to watch it again.

The entire day, I left my phone switched off. My boss won't be too pleased with me, especially after 2 shows of mine had very explicit profanity, thanks to our mystery caller, but I didn't care. 

[PAUSES]

Listen, I-I know, alright? I know it sounds stupid, I know I probably sound like a pearl-clutching housewife, how scandalous that I'm terrified of a few dirty phonecalls, but...you didn't hear them. You wouldn't want to hear them. Paul, Sheena, and I certainly didn't. At least they only heard them at the station…

Thankfully, on the Friday, we had decided not to do requests hour. Yeah, a few listeners would be upset, but the more loyal listeners would understand when one person ruins it for everyone else. We just settled for the last hour of the show to be requests from Paul and Sheena. Strangely enlightening, but I don't wish to hear any more Phil Collins than is necessary. And with Paul, he seems to think 10 songs is necessary. It isn't.

ARCHIVIST:

[OFFENDED] What's wrong with Phil Collins?

JAMES:

Apart from the fact that we're a punk rock station?

ARCHIVIST:

Fair enough. You were saying?

JAMES:

Okay, so, ah… I was on my way home again, and had all but forgotten the mystery caller. We'd figured it had just been some weirdo that got bored of us cutting him off. But as I was walking from the tube station from my flat, I heard that ear-splitting feedback again. Doubling over in pain, I reached up to pull my headphones off, only to find that I had left them at the radio station. I pressed my fists to my ears, crumpling to the ground as the whine of someone being too close to a microphone pierced my eardrums. I felt something cold trickle out of my ear. I didn't have to check my hand to guess that it was blood. I hyperventilated as I lay on the ground. Something was shouting, screaming at me, screeching slurs and threats of what it wanted to do to me, what it will do to me. I remember vomiting, and then blacking out as the overlapping cacophony reached a fever pitch.

I woke up not too far from where I had passed out, £10 and a phone lighter. It was probably some homeless guy who took them, and honestly, I'm not too bothered. I'm more angry no-one took me to a doctor or something. I think, the last thing I saw before I passed out was someone standing in the distance. Staring. Yeah, it could have been some rando, but the image stuck with me.

They were silhouetted against the bright signs of the takeaways on the street behind them, hands stretching too far down, a little too tall. I might have been delusional or in the throes of oxygen deprivation or something, but I swear I saw it smile as I lost consciousness. 

I haven't been back to my flat. I've been staying with Sheena for the past couple of days. She's alright, but I can tell she wants me out. She doesn't want what's happening to me to happen to her. 

ARCHIVIST:

Statement ends. ...Are you alright?

JAMES:

[SNIFFS] Er, I - Uh, I should be, in a bit. Thanks for, uh...I don't know. Listening?

ARCHIVIST:

It's my job. 

JAMES:

Is that it then? What happens now?

ARCHIVIST:

We'll get in contact with you if we find anything out.

JAMES:

Oh! Then, you'll probably need this then. [SCRIBBLING]

ARCHIVIST:

[SHOCKED NOISE] Wh- What are you doing?

JAMES:

Giving you my phone number, what's it look like?

ARCHIVIST:

Well, I'm sure you can give it to me on paper, not my hand! And didn't you say your phone was stolen?

JAMES:

[SCRIBBLING STOPS] Oh. Yeah. Well, if I ever get it back, then. You know where to call.

ARCHIVIST:

R-Right. Goodbye, Mr. James.

JAMES:

Frankie.

ARCHIVIST:

...Goodbye, Frankie.

[CLICK]

[CLICK]

ARCHIVIST:

Mr. James -- Frankie's behaviour was certainly... strange during our conversation. He kept looking at me, pausing and then quickly looking away again, having to restart his sentence whenever he did so. Maybe he realised that he had virtually no evidence to back up his testimony. The only witnesses we have are this Sheena and Paul, and they can only back up the instances of the phone calls happening at the radio station, not anywhere else. Conveniently, Frankie does not appear to record his mobile phone calls, so we have no evidence the phone call on the tube happened. Assuming it even could happen.

Furthermore, his constant stuttering only made me think he was making the whole thing up. Maybe he just wants a story for his show. He --

TIM:

Knock, knock. Was that Frankie James?

ARCHIVIST:

Yes, i-it was -- Tim, saying 'Knock, knock' is not a good substitute for knocking. 

TIM:

Did I hear you saying that he was making it up because he was stuttering?

ARCHIVIST:

Well, yes. It's a common tell for lying.

TIM:

It's a common tell for a huge goddamn crush.

ARCHIVIST:

What?

TIM:

Oh, come on. You didn't notice?

ARCHIVIST:

No, n-no, I didn't.

TIM:

Jon, he was the colour of a tomato. He wrote his phone number on your hand! Look, he even drew a heart, for god's sake.

ARCHIVIST:

[MUTTERING] Hmm, yes, I suppose it does look like a heart… No, don't be ridiculous, Tim.

TIM:

[IN A SING-SONG VOICE] Jon has got a boyfriend, Jon has got a boyfriend!

ARCHIVIST:

Are you twelve?! Get out! [SOMETHING CLATTERS ON THE GROUND]

TIM:

Ow! Stop throwing staples at me!

[CRASHING SOUND]

[CLICK]

[snoopyracing]

There For You

PART TWO

Pairing: Luke Hemmings x Reader 

Warnings: Swearing

Word Count: 2,340 

Summary: angst, angst, angst 

A/N: maybe a part 2?? idk lmk

     Four years. Four years of laughter. Four years of tears. Four years of love. You had known Luke Hemmings for four years, meeting through a mutual friend. In those four years Luke and you had become inseparable. You guys were the annoying best friends who did everything together. Through thick and thin you guys were there for each other. Until one day.

The Laughter

     Nothing beat the feeling you had when it was just you and Luke, cruising around in the car. Singing along to everything and anything that came on the radio. The beginning chords of My Humps came through the speakers. Luke’s hand immediately going to the volume dial and turning it all the way to the right. You thought the speakers were going to blow from how loud Luke had the volume, but the look on his face said he couldn’t honestly care less. He was acting like a complete fool, the biggest smile on his face while he was belting out the lyrics. You couldn’t help but giggle at him, but as soon as he heard the laughter that escaped your lips his head whipped around to face you. He then realized he was driving and put his eyes back on the road. “Were you laughing at me?” He asked, slightly eyeing you. He was trying to be serious, but you both knew in a matter of seconds, you’d both be in a fit of giggles. “No, I was laughing with you!” Your giggles only getting more prominent. In reality, this situation was not really that funny, but to you two, it was more than funny. That’s one of the reasons you and Luke got along so well. Your sense of humor was the same, sure it wasn’t the best sense of humor, but to you two, you guys could be comedians. The song was long over and Luke’s singing had stopped, but you two were laughing so hard your stomach’s were starting to hurt. Once the two of you had settled down you heard Luke giggle slightly before speaking. “You know we were basically laughing at nothing.” 

The Tears

     It was a usual Thursday night, you had just gotten home from work and all you wanted to do was sit your ass on the couch and watch re-runs of The Office. You were about halfway through the first episode when your phone dinged. Picking it up from the unoccupied couch cushion next to you, you saw Luke’s name displayed on the screen. Your eyes scanned the text, reading those three little words. I need you. You typed out a response as you got up off the couch, slipping on some shoes and grabbing your keys, heading out the door. It was dark by the time you got to Luke’s, the house was asleep, not one single window had a yellow glow to it. Walking up to the front door you tried to prepare yourself for what state Luke could be in. You had your key ready, but the door was unlocked. You made a mental note to scold Luke for leaving his door unlocked, later though. The house was pitch black, you reached for the light switch near the door. You heard the tapping of nails on the hardwood floors. Petunia was at your feet in a matter of seconds wanting attention. You knelt down, giving her some pets before making your way upstairs to find Luke. As you got closer to Luke’s room you could hear faint sniffles and your heart broke more and more as you got closer. Pushing open the door you called out Luke’s name faintly, he was laying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The TV the only source of light in the room. You made your way to the bed, taking a seat next to him. Before you could even say anything he was grabbing a hold of you, burying his face in your neck, sobbing. You hated seeing your best friend like this. You ran your hand through his hair, trying to comfort him. 

     “Lu, you gotta tell me what’s wrong.” You said, pulling back slightly to look at him. His bright blue eyes were no longer bright and they were bloodshot beyond belief. He looked like a mess, granted, right now he was a mess. After a few more minutes of him crying and you rubbing his back, he finally muttered out some words, ones you weren’t entirely to surprised to hear. “It’s over, for good.” You knew Luke’s relationship had been messy. This wasn’t the first time you had been over at Luke’s, comforting him after they had a big blow up. You wanted to make her out to be the bad person, but Luke had the tendency to leave out details when explaining what had happened, more so he wouldn’t look like a complete ass. So you took everything with a grain of salt. Luke was no angel and you knew that, but he was your best friend. So you were going to do what best friends do, be there for one another. “Who ended it?” There was no response, only him gripping onto you tighter. “Okay, we don’t have to talk about it right now.” Somehow you were able to maneuver yourself on the bed so that you were leaning against the headboard, Luke cuddling into your side. Your hand finding its way back to his hair, running your fingers through it. “Thank you. I love you.” 

The Love

     There had always been that little voice inside your head that questioned your true feelings towards Luke. He was attractive, talented, and you guys clicked so well, so why wouldn’t you have feelings for him? There were times where you did wonder what would happen if you guys weren’t best friends, if you guys were lovers. You always pushed those thoughts aside, not really thinking too much into it. Nothing finding someone else to replace those thoughts with wouldn’t fix. You had been on quite the dry spell when it came to relationships. Sure, you had the occasional hook up, but you hadn’t been in a serious relationship in years. Tonight though that was all going to hopefully change. You had a date with some cute guy you met at the cafe down the street from your apartment. He seemed nice enough and he was quite the charmer, so you agreed to go on a date with him. The closet doors were wide open and you were standing there, trying to figure out what to wear. Cardi B was playing through your phone, you were hoping she could hype you up before the date. You got ready and met the guy at guy at a cute little Italian place down the street. 

     So far the date was going great, he was a gentleman and he could make you laugh. What more could you ask for? Then he started to fidget, your eyes traveled down to his hands. He was playing with the rings on his fingers. Your mind instantly went to the person who always played with the rings on their fingers. Luke. Now all you could think about was Luke. How you two would be joking about the names of some of the dishes on the menu. How you two would honestly never go here. How he would look at you with those pretty blue eyes from across the table and you would be putty in his hand. How the guy sitting across from you wasn’t Luke and how badly you wanted it to be him. You don’t know why it took you so long, but there in that boujee Italian restaurant, while you were on a date with someone else. You realized you loved Luke. Not like a best friend love, a romantic love. You wanted to be his source of happiness, his world, his love. 

     Now a couple months later, that realization was the source of your sadness. Luke had gone off and found someone else, someone prettier, someone who wasn’t you. The only person who knew about your feelings was Calum. Calum had also convinced you to come to their show tonight. You hadn’t seen Luke in around a month and the thought of seeing him tonight made you feel sick. But you wanted to show support for your friends, so you sucked it up. So now here you were sitting backstage with the boys, minus Luke, and you realized how much you missed hanging out with them. You had some of your greatest memories with them. The night was going pretty well and you were honestly glad you came. The boys' performance was amazing as usual and as they made their way backstage you were approached by Luke for the first time that night. He had a post performance glow and he honestly looked amazing. “Hey stranger, I haven’t seen you in awhile.” He still had that stupid charm to him. “Yeah, been busy with work.” You lied. “I’ve missed you.” He said, his arm reaching out to touch you, but you took a step back. He gave you a questioning look. but moved on. Now you just wanted to leave. You gave the rest of the boys a job well done and some hugs before making your way to the exit. You had almost made it out the door when someone grabbed your arm, pulling you into the dressing room. You knew those curly locks anywhere and right now you wanted out of this room.

     “Luke, what do you want? I need to get back home!” I was becoming annoyed. “I haven’t seen you in months and you are acting super strange. What’s up with you?” He took a seat on one of the couches and began to play with his rings. Those stupid fucking rings. You wanted to reach over and rip them off his hands and throw them away. You still stood by the door, ready to bolt. “Y/N.” His eyes bored into mine, you couldn’t resist him. Sighing you took a seat in the chair across from him, he always knew how to get his way. “Nothing is wrong Luke, I’ve just been super busy with work and some other stuff.” He pursed his lips, I knew he wasn’t buying it. “Bullshit. I think you're forgetting that I’m your best friend. I know when you’re lying and I know work hasn’t been busy at all. Don’t think I see your stories about how dead work is? I’ve texted you about hanging out and no response. So now really tell me what it is.” In that moment you wish you had some rings to fiddle with. “I can’t.” He leaned forward, his arms resting on his thighs. “What do you mean you can’t? I’m your best friend, we tell each other everything.” You could feel the tears starting to form, the lump in your throat already there. “I just can’t Lu.” Your heart ached as the nickname slipped past your lips, guess old habits do die hard. “Fine, I’ll wait until you’re ready to tell me.” 

     The two of you sat there in silence for what seemed like forever, but in reality it was around fifteen minutes. Luke was stubborn and so were you. A hard knock on the door made both of your heads whip towards the door. Curly brown locks peaked into the room. “Hey, Luke we’re leaving soon.” When Calum spotted you his eyes widened, but he said nothing, just closed the door. “Your final chance to tell me Y/N.” You never wanted any of this to happen. Why couldn’t things go back to normal, why did you have to ruin everything? Why did you have to be so utterly in love with him? He had gotten up off the couch at this point and started to make his way towards the door. Fuck it. You had nothing to lose at this point. “I love you.” Your eyes immediately closing, not want to see his reaction. “Y/N, I love you too.” You opened your eyes, he was now standing in front of you. “No. Luke I love you. Like love love.” The tears had finally escaped your eyes and were running down your face. He just stared at you. You shouldn’t have even said anything. Grabbing your purse you made a beeline for the door, but Luke stood in your way. “Luke let me leave!” He pushed you back, to sit back in the chair. “Why are you telling me this now?” He was angry. “I don’t fucking know Luke! You were the one that dragged me in here and interrogated me. I was sick of having it all bottled up inside me.” His hands were running through his hair. 

     “How long?” Your face was beat red and you knew there was mascara running down your face. “A couple months. Ever since I went on that date with that guy. I realized I wanted you.” I stood back up from the chair. “Well, I have a girlfriend now.” I chuckled at his statement, like I didn’t know that. “No shit Lucas. If you were single I would have come over that night and told you, but no. That same night you were out with her. It literally crushes me seeing you with her. That should fucking be me Luke! It should be me. You should have been the guy with me at the stupid Italian restaurant. Not some guy that was like you! We’ve been there for each other for everything! It’s supposed to be you and me, not you and her, Lu.” Your throat hurt from yelling and your tears blurred your vision. You didn’t even look at him as you grabbed your stuff and walked out the door. Opening the door you saw the rest of the boys standing there. They undoubtedly heard the entire fight. Calum tried to comfort you, but all you wanted was to be alone. As you were walking towards your car you heard Luke yell your name, but you ignored it, getting into your car and driving off. 

[smudgedtoon]

The missing days

“I'm not sure.” It sounded better than I dont know. But honestly I didn't  know, anything; about where I'd been, who I'd been with. It was all a blur.  Or I want to say it was a blur, but more like if it had been sanded away delicately in small areas and rather harshly in the rest.

The cop scuffed and waved me off. I tried to make him wait but he cut me off with a disgruntled. “Come back when you know what you need.”

“Fine.” Huffing I left the police station. Looking around found me a bench to sit on and think.

Now to go over what I did know barring things like where I lived, how old I was;

1.I knew my name, obviously or else I'd have told the officer that at the very least. But just to be sure my name's Zenith. This didn't come as a shock to me because I knew everything else about me except and this leads to...

2. I was missing days. Two at the very least. I mean it had to only be two, I checked my phone twice to make sure. But it felt like more...

3.I woke up in someone else's apartment in a weird part of town.

4. There should be no weird part of town, I've lived here all my life.

“Okay go from what you know…. So before I can't remember, what do I remember….” I recieved dirty looks from strangers passing by but screw em, talking out loud helps me think. I knew this, I knew….. “Work?....Work!” I had work….; not what I needed right now but that was a start. I pulled out my phone again dialing the number by heart. A quick glance at my screen clock had told me my shift hadn't started yet, so I was going to call sick. As I waited for someone to answer the other line my thoughts went back to working out just what I needed help with. Wait work…. the two missing days were on my off days? No, that felt wrong.

Finally someone answered.

“Hey thanks for waiting this is Derek from Game-On speaking, what can I get you playing today?”

“Hey Derek its-”

“Oh shit dude its you.” Derek voice went high with surprise and then low as if he was being listened to. “Calling to beg for your job back? Yes, we do have a couple of Playstation 4 fallout 76 bundle packs left from our Sale!”

“What?” I said cringing at the yelling and confused. “what do you mean-”

“dude ol Heely's still has a controller up her ass from that shit Fr- Oh no I'm sorry we're not offering a free copy with the bundle any longer, though it already comes with the game! dude heelys comin this way gotta go…. Thanks for calling and may your ending cutscene be epic!”

The line cut out. I wanted to call again, but Derek had sent me a text. ‘Dont call back… Heely just threatened to fire any of us talking to you on company time. I'll text after work’

Resisting the urge to text back, I began my walk home. I walked slowly hoping something along the route would help me remember more about the last couple of days. My stomach growled as I passed a small dinner, when was the last time I ate? Some customers left and through the closing door I caught a whiff of something delicious, another grumble. Checking my wallet I found I had no cash, strange, I think I should've had money. What I did have however was my credit and debit cards. I didn't want to check my bank account out of fear of what I would find so credit it was.

I walked into the building and was instantly hit with a sense of familiarity….; but why? Looking around I noticed nothing really special it was your typical mom and pop diner with vinyl booth seats and mounted down tables. The floors were not what I expected instead of the usual checkered patterned linoleum it was if someone had painted a galaxy. It felt like it was pulling me in.

“-always gets people.” A voice interrupted my thoughts.

Looking up a saw a massive   smiling down at me. I took her in. Her face was round and cheerful yet it wasn't exactly youthful, though I wouldn't say she looked old, rather she looked like someone who knew a thing or two about life. She had warm brown eyes that reminded me of tinted glass lanterns, her hair…. My jaw dropped. Her hair if it was actually hers was as amazing as the floor. Okay that sounded wrong….. her hair was long, almost ass length, locked and dyed to look like the night sky, she must have used a glittery hair spray to get it to shimmer like that. “uhhhh….” I managed pathetically.

“Oh I was saying, the floor really draws People in. It's new. ” She said nodding to the ground. She hadn't seem to notice me gawking or if she had she didn't say anything about it. “Welcome to Mookie’s.”

“Mookie’s?”

Her brows furrowed and her gorgeous smile was replaced with a scowl. It only lasted as long as a blink of eye. Her smile returned but with a little tension in her voice she asked. “Is that a problem?”

“N-no. Just an unusual name…” I back pedaled. “ummm can…. I… have a table?”

She nodded and took me to an empty booth near the kitchen. As she waited for me to sit down she explained the name. “Its named after someone close to my family.”

I nodded feeling like a huge dick. I was sure I was gonna get my food spit- Shit did I just insult the owner.

As if reading my mind, the woman added. “Actually more close to the owner, my grams, than me.”

“Oh.”

Awkward silence. She looked as if she was waiting for something but then grew impatient and started speaking again.

“So I'm Vi and I'll be your server today.” she nodded towards the the end of the table  where I found the menus. “Would you like a drink while you look at the menu?”

“Sure, I'll have tea please.” I said wanting this to be over with as soon as possible.

She nodded and said. “I'll be right back with that,” before departing.

“Well Zeni, you really fucked that up and she was cute too.” I muttered to myself as I looked through the menu. I turned between the pages until I spotted what I wanted.

When Vi returned with my drink I ordered and she left. As I began to make my tea I paused. On my saucer was the standard small kettle of hot water, but the odd thing or rather the awesome thing there wasnt a tea bag insight, just lemons and honey. As I set about squeezing the slices of lemon into my cup I felt like I was being watched. Looking around I spotted my observer. A little black girl, dressed adorably in a black tee that read future boss lady and red cat eye glasses as well as shorts and black and purple kitten leggings, was sitting on one the stools at counter seating and had swiveled around to face me. I waved and the girl excitedly smiled and waved back before looking around quickly to make sure no one had seen. She swiveled back to face the counter and I chalked the whole thing up to kids being kids.

Going back to what I was doing. A thought popped in my head. Jessica. She'd probably have some idea of what had happened. After all she was my girlfriend. Why hadn't I thought of calling her when this first happened? My brain buzzed as I tried to probe that thought a bit further, eventually I wrote it off as how awkward it would be to call one's significant other to pick you up and fill you in on why you were at a strangers house and couldn't remember the past two days.

“You should drink your tea before it stops being hot.”

I was jerked out of my thoughts to see the little girl sitting across from me. When had she done that, I'd only be lost in my thoughts for a moment and the distance would've taken her more than that to get to my table from where she was, unless she had run over. That must've been it. Realizing the girl was awaiting some type of response, I put on a smile and lifted up my cup giving her a cheesy cheers and took a sip. Oh gods my brain screamed as the taste of hot yet diluted sour spread across my tongue. It was all I could do to not spray the kid with unsweetened lemon tea.

She giggled and the pointed to the honey. “You forgot the honey Zeni.”

“Yeah you're right.” I said after swallowing. I reached for the honey and paused. “Uhhhh… sweetie, Zuntie Zeni is tired it's been a long day what's your name again?” Zuntie Zeni? It sounded right… I'd never used the phrase in my life- I brought my focused back on what was important this kid knew me and somehow I must've known them from my auto response.

Her brows furrowed as she pulled a face only children have the balls to make and for a split second she'd reminded me of someone. That face then broke into one of utter sadness. She mumbled something to herself, I only caught “really don't”.

Before I could ask her anything a plate of food was placed before me. I got a brief glimpses of a scarred arm before it was pulled away. I looked up to see Vi.

She gave me something that resembled a smile before turning to little girl. “One what have I told you about pestering customers.” She turned to me and apologized. “Sorry about this, the meal is on the house. If you'd-”

“Its fine. Really, One,”  hope I hadn't butchered the girl's name, “was keeping me company and showing me the fine art of making lemon tea.” I  winked at the girl and she giggled.

“See Zuntie Zeni's fine.”

A volt of pain went through my brain and I had to grab the table for balance even though I was already sitting.

I awoke in my bed with my head still killing me.  I remembered somethings. From my disassociated meal at the diner to what had happened almost three days ago.

I had been fired on my last day of work before my days off, fired was an understatement. It had been a shit show, my ex, I know remembered why I wouldn't have called Jessica, had gotten it into her head that Heely and I were having some type of affair. She'd gone to the store wrecked it and then assaulted Heely and accused me.  The thing was though Heely had been showing me the ropes of management. From there I had been invited to a party by Derek to cheer me up. I had meet a girl. We'd spent the whole party talking and joking around. It was her I'd went home with her. From there things had gotten hazy again. All I could remember was her name. “Te.” I felt a shiver run down by spine before I fell asleep again.

[imjustthemechanic]

Our Own Demons

Part 1/? - A Bolt from the Blue Part 2/? - A Different World Part 3/? - Stark At Home Part 4/? - Pot Roast Night Part 5/? - Space-Pie Continuum

What if Tony Stark really were the villain of the Marvel universe?  How would that work?  Tony himself is about to find out, as he battles his inner demons (and some outer ones, too) across a multiverse of infinite possibilities.

At the other’s command, the windows rearranged themselves on the phone screen, bringing to the fore one that was showing black and white video with the date in the upper left corner and the words Special Projects Workshop in the lower.  Tony found himself wanting to reach out and increase the image size the way he could with one of his holographic displays, but of course that wouldn’t work, so all he could do was drag his chair around the little table so he could see right-side up, and squint.

The view showed a suit of armor assembled in the middle of the workshop, while Tony’s counterpart worked on something in the left room.  The frame rate was low and the resolution was not great, but Tony still noticed that this suit had definitely been built for a woman.  It was smaller and slimmer than any of his, and the shapes on the front were clearly meant to suggest a sweetheart neckline, though the armor didn’t actually mold to the breasts.  If Tony had been going to build armor for Pepper, he thought, that was exactly what he would have made it look like.

The other Tony turned away from the suit to look at something on a nearby bench, and then the screen went white.  For half a second there was no picture at all, then a buzz of static, and finally the image returned, slowly, block by block, to reveal the suit in bits on the floor and Tony struggling to his feet while his counterpart grabbed the pipe wrench.

“That’s pretty much what I saw,” said Tony.  “Everything went white, and the audio squealed… that’s an EMP,” he realized – a sudden burst of electromagnetic radiation.  It must have been incredibly intense to knock out an Iron Man suit.  He’d specifically designed them to be resistant to pulse weapons. “Something on the order of the magnetic field of Jupiter.”

“Exactly what I was going to say,” the other agreed, flipping through windows.  “The video overloaded, but we monitor other frequencies, too.  JANIS, can you give us a plot of the radio and the infra-red, please?”

Tony observed that this guy was awfully polite to his computer, but before he could decide how best to tease him about it, the graph appeared.  At first it looked like random bursts, but of course, those were just the frequencies JANIS was programmed to monitor.  If Tony were to join them up… he reached over and ran a finger across the screen, connecting the dots.

“Extrapolate a blackbody spectrum,” he ordered.

What’s the magic word? asked JANIS, but she did it anyway: a curve appeared, showing a peak much further up the spectrum.  There’s a margin for error, of course, the computer noted apologetically.

“That’s okay.”  Tony scratched his beard as he studied the result.  “Turn around,” he told his counterpart.  “I need to see the back of your neck.”

His double obeyed, and Tony touched the skin with the back of his hand.  It was about as pale as a man with Mediterranean ancestors could get, and warm to the touch but not overly so.

“That can’t be right,” Tony said.  “That peak is in the ultraviolet.  You should have a sunburn.”

“A sunburn, hell.”  The other frowned at the display on his phone.  “That spectrum would require a temperature of about ten thousand Kelvin.  The surface of the sun isn’t that hot.  It should have burned the building down.”

“Not to mention vaporized me,” Tony agreed.  “Or at least turned me into the Hulk or something.  So we’ve got… some kind of phantom radiation?”

The other chewed on his lower lip.  “It’s got to be a side effect of something else,” he decided. “If you’re from another universe, the only way to get to this one would be by tearing a hole in space, and as far as we know no amount of radiation can do that.  The only force that can is gravity.  If you want to rip open the space-time continuum, you need one of two things: a black hole, or…” he paused, frowning.

“Pie?” asked a voice.

Tony and his counterpart both yelped in surprise. They’d been so focused on their conversation that they hadn’t realized Audrey the waitress was back.  She held up her hands, apologetic.

“Didn’t mean to scare you!” she said.  “I just wanted to say, our dessert today is homestyle apple pie.”

Tony breathed a sigh of relief, trying to make his heart start pounding.  “How about this,” he said.  “We’ll take the whole pie, a pot of coffee, and the cheque, okay?”  Hopefully that would head off any future interruptions.

“All right,” said Audrey.  “I’ll… uh… I’ll be right back.”

The two men kept quiet until she returned with the pie and coffee, and a tub of vanilla ice cream for them.  Tony tossed some money on the table, to pay for their meal and to make up for the tips Audrey would not be getting while they continued to occupy the table.  The alternative was heading back to his double’s apartment and he didn’t want to do that.  They helped themselves to dessert, and tried to pick up the thread of their conversation again.

“Where were we?” asked Tony.

For a moment the other couldn’t remember, then he glanced down at his pie.  “Pie,” he said.  “Pie doesn’t break space, but black holes do.”

“Or other things,” said Tony, picking up his train of thought.  “I’m thinking specifically of a blue, cubey thing that’s good for blowing shit up. Contains an enormous amount of energy, and yet energy that doesn’t seem to hurt people unless they come into direct contact with it.  Hence no sunburn.”

“Please tell me your reality doesn’t actually call it the Blue Cubey Thing,” said the other.

Nobody was listening to them and the waitress was at another table, but Tony still lowered his voice to reply.  “Tesseract,” he said.

“Thank you.”  The other pulled out his phone again and opened another window.  “JANIS, please get me the stuff we pulled out of SHIELD’s database on the tesseract.”

“What happened to it in your reality?” Tony asked, while the data loaded.  “We sent it back to Asgard, where the aging republicans who run the world can’t get their mitts on it.”

“Yeah, the Odinson took it back with him when he took Loki home,” the other said.  “I definitely didn’t have it in my workshop.”

“It wasn’t in my back pocket on the way to California, either,” said Tony.  “So if I came here through a tesseract wormhole, it didn’t start out in my reality or in yours…”

“Which means there’s a third universe involved here, where it was accessible to a third one of us,” the other agreed.  He looked at the tablet, which was showing a rotating image of the tesseract with text scrolling beside it, then sighed and took another bite of pie and ice cream.  “Man, when I got up this morning I thought the biggest challenge I was going to face today was phoning the damn credit card company.”

“What’s so hard about that?” asked Tony, who had never done it.

“They’ve got one of those voice-activated menus that doesn’t work, so you’ve got to talk your way through half an hour of bullshit before you can even be put on hold,” the other said.  “Honestly, this makes sorting out my overcharges look like a fun afternoon.”

“We have to take a proper look at that suit,” Tony decided. “If that was the tesseract, it’ll leave an ionic residue.  Banner did some work on that… can you find his paper?”

“Who?” the other asked.

“Bruce,” Tony clarified, but that didn’t seem to improve matters.  “Dr. Robert Bruce Banner.  You’ve never heard of him?”  This was a world where Tony was broke, Pepper was a superhero, and there was no Hulk… what other surprises might it have for him?

“Can’t say that I have.  Dr. Ross might have something for us,” the other mused, “but she’s not easy to get in touch with.”

“Never mind.  We’ll figure it out,” said Tony.  “Two heads are better than one, and here we’ve got two of the best.”

“Are you sure this counts as two heads?” the other asked suspiciously.

“Close enough,” Tony decided, his mouth full of pie.

The two of them had not actually talked about it, but somehow Tony had his counterpart had come to the agreement that they should not let Miss Potts find out about this.  When they returned to the building in the morning, they did so not through the lobby but via an old emergency exit from the train station, where they were less likely to be observed.

“How did you find this?” asked Tony, as the descended a very narrow flight of metal stairs.  He was trying to remember if there were anything similar in his Tower – he didn’t think there was.  If there ever had been, it must have been pulled out during construction of the new building.

Thinking about that was far preferable to the other thing that was on his mind, which was that he was wearing clothes that belonged to his counterpart.  The jeans, striped t-shirt, and green jacket weren’t the problem – it was the underwear that was bothering him.  Sure, it was clean, and yes, Tony had shared pretty much his entire wardrobe with Rhodey when they’d been room-mates at MIT… but this was still weird.

“We explored down here pretty thoroughly while we were looking for somewhere I could work on the suits,” the other explained.  “There’s a service elevator that goes all the way up to the penthouse, which is handy, and this entrance means I can get in and out when the building’s closed at night.”  He reached the top of the steps, where there was an old metal door with the paint peeling from it.  A keypad opened the lock.  Tony expected the hinges to squeal, but they were apparently the one part that was in good repair.  The door swung silently.

Unfortunately, there was a flaw in their plan.  When Pepper had told her employee to take the rest of the week off, she must have meant it.  Tony’s double tried to use his key card to open the workshop, but the only result was a buzz and a red light.  JANIS wouldn’t let them in.

Miss Potts wanted you to stay home and rest, she reminded him.  She’s told me to keep you out until Monday at least.

“Why didn’t you warn me?” the other asked, exasperated.

You didn’t ask, said JANIS, as if that were entirely reasonable.

“You let your machines talk to you like that?” Tony wanted to know.  JARVIS’ wit was as dry as a good martini, but he was never passive-aggressive.

“Technically, she’s Miss Potts’ machine,” said the other. “And she’s very polite to her.  All right, JANIS.  You know what this means.”

If you can reset it without security noticing, I’m all yours, said JANIS sweetly.

The security office was on the ground floor.  Tony and his counterpart walked with a purpose as they headed up – apparently the other knew, as Tony did, that if you looked like you knew what you were doing people were unlikely to question you.  They marched into the office, and there found an obstacle in their path.  A short, muscular, red-headed obstacle, who was very much startled to see them.

“Oh,” said Tony’s double, in a voice that sounded less like he was greeting his girlfriend and more like he was at his high school reunion saying hello to the guy who used to stuff him in lockers.  “Good morning, Beth.”

It took Beth a moment to recover from her surprise, but then she widened her stance and folded her arms across her chest.  “I thought you were supposed to be at home, recovering from a sudden case of crazy.  And maybe amnesia,” she added, with narrowed eyes.

“I’m sorry, Beth,” said the other.  “I swear I remembered, but my cousin got into town, and…”

Beth interrupted him.  “Seriously?” she asked.

“Seriously,” Tony spoke up, stepping out from behind his double.

It was actually very gratifying the way Beth’s jaw dropped.  “I… oh,” she said, her arms moving from guardedly in front of her to awkwardly behind her back. “Who are you?”

“I told you,” said Tony.  “I’m his cousin.  From Italy,” he added, figuring that was safely far away enough that she would buy never having heard of this guy before.

The other put his arm around Tony’s shoulders.  “We’re like Patty Duke, except there really are two of us,” he said.

Tony nodded.  “Have we got a Betsy?  I forget.”

“I hope not.  We don’t look good in a pretty floral bonnet!”

“Speak for yourself,” Tony snorted.  “Anyway, Ms. Cabe – we need a small favour.”

[extrasteps]

Stacked - Chapter 2

Previous chapter and photoset here and on ao3 here

Liam rolled up out the front of Theo's place. Literally. He wasn't one to look a gift skateboard in the mouth.

"Not bad," Theo drawled from where he sat on the front porch, setting the book he had been reading to one side. Liam glared at him as he leaned all his weight back to come to a stop, grabbing the skateboard with one hand. By some miracle, he managed to do it without landing on his ass.

He stalked up to the porch, dropping it at Theo's feet. "There's your skateboard," he muttered.

"So nice of you to bring it around for me," Theo snickered, leaning back on his hands and looking up at him.

"Yeah haha very funny," Liam rolled his eyes. "How's your leg?"

"Aww, are you concerned for me baby wolf?" Theo asked, delighted. Liam scowled.

"No," he denied. "I was being polite. I actually don't give a shit."

Theo found that hilarious apparently, tipping his head back and laughing. Liam just stared at him, that spot on his neck capturing his attention again. Why did the evil dude (and yes, he'd received another lecture from Stiles on the subject) have to be so hot?

"So who's taking over from you on Theo duty?" He asked once he'd finally stopped laughing, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt.

Liam's scowl deepened. "No one."

"Ouch," Theo smirked. "Puppy's pulling an all-nighter."

Liam flopped down next to him with a sigh. "Apparently."

He could feel Theo's eyes on the side of his face and studiously ignored him, though he could feel his heart rate pick up. Silence fell between them, not exactly comfortable but not tense either. Liam just stared up at the sky, lost in thoughts.

"Do you want to come inside?" Theo asked after a few minutes. Liam stared at him incredulously. "What?" Theo asked. "Is that against the rules?

He remembered his earlier phone call with Stiles. "And do not, for any reason, let him know you're there." Oops. "And don't go into his house without back up. It's far too dangerous."

"Fuck it," Liam said, standing up. "It's too cold to stay out here all night." The again went unsaid, but it hung between them, Theo giving him a knowing look as he got to his feet.

"Wait," Liam said, and Theo paused in front of the door. "You're not actually evil, are you?"

Theo turned to look at him. "What do you think?"

"I think that answering a question with a question is sketchy as fuck," Liam said honestly.

Theo smirked, turning and walking towards him until they were face to face. "You know," Theo said, eyes twinkling, "we could be friends, Liam."

"Friends?" Liam asked.

"Or more than friends," Theo shrugged, grinning and looking away. Liam stared at him, stunned.

This was guy was clearly, 100%, no doubts whatsoever evil. Fuck.

Classic redirection tactic. Liam didn't know what was more annoying, the fact that Theo was evil, or the fact that he thought Liam would fall for the oldest trick in the book.

"Funny," Liam sneered, brushing past Theo and waiting in front of the door.

"You'll come around," Theo said, undeterred.

More proof. What teenage boy wasn't crushed by rejection? Stiles was right, not that Liam would be telling him that anytime soon.

Theo pushed the door open, leading him inside. The house was fully furnished but lacked the finer details. The knick-knacks and clutter that always littered a house that was lived in. The absence of family photos was also notable. Liam's house was plastered with them, so the bare walls irked him. It wasn't fair that Theo's parents hadn't covered every available surface with his baby photos.

"Nice house," Liam said to fill the silence.

"Are you being polite again?" Theo asked, shooting him a smirk over his shoulder.

"Maybe," Liam admitted.

"No need," Theo said. "You won't offend me."

"Okay," Liam said. "Your house is weird. There's no pictures."

"Wanted to coo over my baby photos?" Theo asked, pausing in front of a door, giving him an amused smile.

"Laugh, yes, coo, no," Liam shrugged.

"Sure," Theo winked. "Whatever you say Liam."

He stepped through the door into what Liam immediately realised was his bedroom.

He looked around, curiousity overriding his caution. This room was far more personal. The bed was rumpled, the blanket kicked to the edge of the bed and the sheet twisted. Restless nights. The desk held a laptop and was littered with open books and pens and sticky notes. Studious. Open cupboard with rows of clothes hung up, a mirror hanging on the inside of the door. Took pride in his appearance. And of course a huge TV dominating the room with a PlayStation. Liam already knew which game was in the console. He'd been watching him play it for several hours the past few nights with Stiles. He went between school and home, not realising how odd that was. So he was bored, no friends, and a bit clueless about how to pretend to be a normal teenage boy.

"Are you going to join me?" Theo asked, still clearly amused by Liam.

Liam looked at him. He's thrown the blanket back over the bed and was now perched on the end of it, two controllers in his hand. The TV was already on, flashing the startup menu.

He said nothing as he sat next to Theo, taking the second controller from his friends, frowning at the shiver that ran through his body as his fingers brushed Theo's.

"Have you played this game before?" Theo asked.

"No," Liam admitted reluctantly. His mum didn't like him playing shooting games. Seemed to think it could trigger his anger. He didn't know enough about his IED to know if that true or not.

"It's fairly easy," Theo said. "I'm getting pretty good at it."

Another admission, though he didn't seem to realise it.

The more time that passed, the more that Liam was sure that Theo had never had a friend before, had never spent time with anyone like this. He seemed almost desperately happy, almost manic, and Liam felt a stirring of pity. Stiles had told him that Theo had been 8 when his sister had died and he'd left. What had happened to him in those ten years?

"Are you even trying?" Theo snickered as his character snuck up behind Liam's and shot him. Liam's screen turned black and Liam tried not to take it as an omen.

"Not really," he admitted.

"We could play something different," Theo suggested, gesturing to the three other games sitting on the tv unit, all still wrapped in plastic.

"No, that's okay," Liam said, pulling out his phone and checking the time. "It's late."

"Got somewhere else to be?" Theo taunted.

"Oh fuck off, honestly," Liam snapped, getting to his feet. Fuck whatever Stiles said, he was going home, to sleep, in his own damn bed.

"Temper, temper," Theo said, standing as well.

Liam felt his rage spike, his chest tight. He turned to leave, trying to swallow it down.

"Where are you going?" Theo growled.

"Home," Liam hissed, storming out of the room. One more second in Theo's company and he was definitely going to do something he would regret.

But Theo had different plans, charging after him, grabbing him and pinning Liam with his back to the wall. His eyes were burning gold as he glared at Liam.

A thrill went through Liam's body, anger sizzling like fire in his veins. A good fight was exactly what he needed right now. And Theo was a wolf, he would heal. Liam wouldn't have to worry about landing him in hospital.

Theo had other ideas though. He didn't hit him. Instead, he did something completely unexpected.

Theo Raeken, fists clenched in Liam's shirt, leaned in and kissed him with bruising force.

Liam Dunbar, completely stunned, froze in place and let him.

The kiss softened and Theo sighed, fingers loosening their grip as his lips brushed Liam's. Liam felt himself responding, his heart pounding in his ears as he tentatively kissed him back.

Theo pulled back, staring at him with wide eyes. Liam stared back, panic making him do the first thing he could think of. He punched Theo square in the jaw, sending him flying back into the other wall, and then Liam was running, bursting out the front door and taking deep, gasping breaths of the cold night air.

His whole body was trembling as he shakily sat on the edge of the front porch, mind racing a million miles an hour.

"Liam, wait!" Theo yelled from inside, racing out, only to skid to a stop as he saw Liam sitting outside his house. "Oh," he whispered.

Slowly, Theo approached him. Liam felt his shoulders tense as Theo stood behind him, looking down. He waited, but Theo didn't say anything. Liam took a deep breath, relaxing by slow increments, until he felt calmer. His heart was still beating faster than normal, but he had a lot more control now.

"Why?" He asked, breaking the silence.

"I don't know," Theo whispered.

The normally cocky and confident Theo's hands were shaking slightly as he sat down next to Liam.

"Why did you do it?" Liam asked again, frustrated.

"I don't know, okay," Theo snapped, throwing his hands up. "I wanted to, so I did."

"You wanted to?" Liam growled. "And Theo Raeken just takes what he wants, I guess."

"I don't-" Theo broke off with a frustrated growl. "Is that not what you do?"

"What?" Liam asked incredulously.

He turned and glared at him, but Theo just looked uncertain. Abruptly, Liam's anger dissipated. If Theo had never had a friend, then he'd certainly never had anything else either.

"That was my first kiss," Liam said quietly. "I-" He broke off with a sigh, looking away.

"Me too," Theo whispered.

"I figured," Liam said, running a hand through his hair with a frustrated sigh. "You clearly don't have much experience  with this."

"With kissing?" Theo asked defensively. "Neither do you apparently."

"No, with being a teenager," Liam said, swallowing down his annoyance. He couldn't believe he was here, about to try and teach Theo 'supervillain' Raeken how to be a real boy.

"Generally you ask permission to kiss someone," Liam explained. "Unless you're in a relationship with them."

"Oh," Theo said. "I guess that makes sense."

"Would help you avoid the punch afterwards," Liam pointed out dryly.

Theo smirked as he rubbed his jaw. "It was a good punch though."

Liam rolled his eyes.

"Good kiss too," Theo muttered under his breath.

Liam pretended he didn't hear him, though his blush probably made it obvious. And he didn't disagree. It had been good, and Liam didn't even want to admit to himself how much he wanted Theo to do it again.

"You don't have to leave," Theo said after a few moments. "I won't do it again." That shouldn't have hurt as much as it did, a pang making Liam's chest ache, so painful that he brought a hand up to his chest, rubbing it.

"Unless," Theo whispered, voice shaking, taking a deep breath. "Unless you want me to?"

Liam turned to look at him, and Theo looked so uncertain and hopeful that Liam felt a deeper pang, an ache that filled his whole body, a need.

"Okay," he breathed.

Theo blinked, looking dazed. "Wait, really?"

"Yes," Liam said, more firmly this time. "Kiss me."

Slowly, Theo inched closer until he was right next to Liam, one hand coming up to gently trace Liam's jaw, tilting his head up, his eyes shining a deep forest green and capturing Liam's gaze as he drowned in them. "Please," Liam whispered.

The hand at his jaw slid around to cup the back of his head and then Theo closed the distance, brushing his lips over Liam's. Liam sighed, and Theo's hand gripped his hair as he swallowed it down, greedily taking another kiss, and another, until Liam was fisting his shirt with both hands, needing something to hold onto as Theo's tongue delved into his mouth and their tongues stroked and massaged. Liam opened his mouth wider, a needy mewl slipping from his lips, trying to get closer, wanting more more more.

"Liam," Theo moaned, tugging at his hair, kissing him hungrily. He pulled away, panting, eyes wide and panicked as he stared at him. "What is this?" Theo asked, his other hand reaching up to brush against his own kiss bruised lips.

"I don't know," Liam admitted quietly, just as shocked at the passion and fire stirring in his belly. He'd never wanted anything more than he wanted Theo's lips back on his.

"Is that normal?" Theo asked him desperately. "Because it didn't feel normal. It was-"

Perfect, Liam finished the sentence in his head. Shit, he was so screwed.

"I-" Liam said, licking his lips nervously. "I should probably go home."

"What?" Theo asked, face falling.

"It's one in the morning," Liam whispered. "And I-" He shook his head. "I need to think."

"About what?" Theo pressed, hand slowly dropping from where it had still been tangled in Liam's hair.

"What the hell I do now," Liam said, dropping his gaze to Theo's lips. He wanted to lean in and taste him again. Dragging his gaze back up to Theo's eyes felt like the hardest thing he'd ever done.

"I'll drive you," Theo said, still looking painfully uncertain.

"Thanks," Liam nodded, standing up and shoving his hands into his pockets.

"I'll get my keys. Stay," Theo urged him, like Liam would vanish the second he took his eyes off him. Liam nodded stiffly, and Theo dashed inside.

Theo was back a minute later, wearing his black jacket and keys jangling in his hand. "Are you sure you have to go?" He asked, standing at the door, looking at Liam. "You can stay here."

It was tempting, more than it should be. To just walk back into the house and fall onto Theo's bed, limbs tangled, kissing until dawn broke, but Liam didn't dare.

"I can't," Liam said hoarsely.

"You want to, though," Theo observed.

"Yes," Liam sighed.

Theo studied him, shoulders releasing some of his tension. "Okay," he said simply. "Let's go."

Liam trailed after him to his truck, confused at Theo's abrupt shift in mood. He climbed into the passenger seat, watching Theo as he got in and turned on the truck, driving them to the other side of town where Liam lived.

"Should I bother asking how you know where I live?" Liam asked, glancing at his house, dark at this hour.

"You could ask," Theo smirked. "I might even tell you."

But Liam didn't want to know.

He looked back at Theo, studying his face. He looked tired, but the way he was looking at Liam was soft, tender, and Liam found himself leaning towards him, holding his breath. He brought his hand up, gently tracing along Theo's neck, kissing him with all of the passion he couldn't voice, capturing his lips with his, sucking the lower one into his mouth, brushing over it with his tongue. Theo whined, and Liam soothed him with another kiss, and then another, before moving down his jaw, nudging Theo's head to the side so that he could kiss his neck.

Theo's scent was intoxicating, and Liam pressed his lips against his pulse, keeping them there, feeling it flutter. "You know I have to stay away from you," Liam whispered, feeling the jump against his lips.

"I know," Theo said, swallowing.

Liam drew away, not looking at him as he got out of the car, walking towards the house.

He heard Theo curse and paused at the front door, not looking back, but not going inside, waiting for something.

Theo sighed. Liam heard it as clearly as if he was still beside him.

"I'll try, okay?" Theo said quietly.

"Try?" Liam asked.

"To fix it."

And then Theo drove away, Liam looking after him.

The truck had been gone for a few minutes before Liam slipped inside.

[alyce0013]

Not An Angel

Kihyun drummed his fingers, impatiently watching the clock. He knew his co-workers had noticed his nervousness, but he honestly couldn't care less. He couldn't wait until work was over, but was dreading it at the same time. His phone vibrated loudly in his pocket. Just two more minutes until work was over. The clock seemed to go slower for those last two minutes just to spite him.

"Kihyun? You ok?" One of his co-workers asked, as Kihyun almost ran out the door to his car. He didn't even respond. Kihyun pulled his phone out of his pocket, checking his messages. He smiled at the two from his fiance Shownu, asking him when he would be home and letting him know how much he loved and missed him. He responded back with a cheesy message first. That was the kind of couple they were: super cheesy and he loves it. Kihyun reminded Shownu in the next message that he had a few errands to run and he would be home late today. He followed it with a 'don't wait up'.

Kihyun had a few messages from his friends that he responded to before he switched to the last message. The number he knew he couldn't save in his phone seemingly taunting him. If he was being honest with himself he could, but he really shouldn't. It was a simple small text asking if he was on his way. He felt butterflies in his stomach that he knew was wrong. Kihyun sent a short response. His hands shook a bit from nerves as he turned his car on to finally leave.

The drive was short, but it felt so long. His heart betraying him and starting to pound so fast. He wished he could be there already. He wished he had never agreed to it in the first place. He couldn't resist the temptation though and it made him feel so disgusting inside. He told himself just this once, and then it would be done. Kihyun parked his car. He nervously drummed his fingers on the steering wheel still debating on whether to go in or not. He knew he should just go home. He was so happy with Shownu. He loves Shownu, but Shownu didn't make him feel butterflies in his stomach like this.

"Just this once." Kihyun muttered to himself as he got out of his car. He walked into the restaurant and looked around. The lighting inside was dim. The smell of alcohol lingered in his nose. He used to love to frequent places like this when he was younger, but had grown out of that phase of his life. He looked at the tables, wondering if he had actually arrived first.

"Just one, sir?" A high voice asked from beside him. Kihyun jumped, almost letting out a squeak of fright. The hostess had caught him off guard. He had expected someone else.

"No, I'm meeting someone here. Has he arrived yet?" Kihyun responded in a quieter voice than normal.

"No, but if you'd like, I can seat you and as soon as your friend arrives, I'll point him in your direction. Can I have your name?" The hostess gave him an accommodating smile.

"I'm...um...my name's Kihyun. That would be great. Thank you." Kihyun followed the hostess to a table upstairs, away from the bar, by a window.

"Your waitress will be with you shortly." She assured him. He was already distracted looking out the window. He didn't expect to be the first to arrive. He restarted the nervous drumming of his fingers on the table as he got lost in his thoughts. He couldn't believe he was sitting here. This whole situation was crazy. The feeling of disgust inside of him only growing.

"Can I start you with something to drink?" Kihyun jumped for the second time that night as the waiter appeared at the table.

"Yes, could I just have a Pepsi? I'm...um...waiting for someone so until he arrives just the drink. Thank you." The waiter nodded in acknowledgement as he left to grab the drink. Kihyun was rethinking his decision to go through with this. It was such a mess he had gotten himself into. There was so much that could go wrong. He kept thinking about if someone he knew recognized him. 'This is stupid' kept going around in his head until...

"Kiki?" That low, slightly husky voice could make all his insides turn to mush. The sweet nickname hitting his heart in a way that made it beat so fast.

"Min-min?" Kihyun responded with a small squeak and the matching sweet nickname. His eyes meeting the soft, playful, dark brown ones he hadn't realized he had missed so much. The two boys looked each other over, speechless for a moment.

"God, I didn't think it was possible, but you got even more handsome." Kihyun blushed at those words.

"I could say the same about you, Minhyuk. You're still so cute. The blonde suits you." Kihyun stood up to give the taller man a hug.

"Your hair is cute too." Minhyuk said as he ruffled the dark brown locks. Kihyun's entire body reacted to the simple gesture by heating up and craving for more contact.

"Its been such a long time." Kihyun sat down with Minhyuk taking the seat opposite him.

"4 years almost." Minhyuk noted, still devouring the brunette across from him with his eyes. "God! It's so good to see you!"

"I missed you." Kihyun confessed softly. Minhyuk's hands snaked over the table, softly meeting the other boys.

"I missed you too. Last time I saw you-"

"Was the day we broke up. Our last fight." Kihyun finished harshly. Minhyuk looked shocked and lost for a moment. He had almost forgotten how honest and blunt Kihyun could be. Thankfully, at that moment the waiter came over to the table. Minhyuk let go of one of Kihyun's hands, still softly stroking the back of the other one with his thumb. The two of them ordered small appetizers and handed the waiter the menus.

"I'm honestly surprised you showed up." Minhyuk started, staring at the hand he was holding. "I didn't think I'd get the chance to see you...to apologize to you."

"I almost didn't."

"I could tell by your drumming on the table." Minhyuk chuckled fondly. "Always been your nervous habit." He smiled sweetly as he looked back up into Kihyun's eyes. A blush spread across the brunette's face. He remembered how charming the man across from him could be. That was what had captured his heart in the first place.

"You're obsession with skinship is still going strong I see." Kihyun shot back, holding their intertwined hands up and laughing. He warmed up, feeling way less awkward about the whole situation. Minhyuk always had known how to make him feel comfortable. The butterflies in his stomach had gone away, but his heart beat so fast for the man across from him. He was still in love with Minhyuk after all this time. He knew that for a fact now.

The two men fell into a comfortable conversation. They caught up on the past 4 years away from each other and reminisced about the good times they had when they were together. The food came and was half ignored. Their drinks were refilled a couple more times. Time flew as Kihyun and Minhyuk continued talking, completely oblivious to everything but each other. Minhyuk kept softly brushing the back of Kihyun's hand with his thumb, not letting go the entire time.

Kihyun's phone vibrated against the table slightly breaking the spell of the night. He looked at the lock screen, checking to see if it was important. It was a message from Shownu. A guilty feeling started to flow out to every corner of his being. He had completely forgotten about his fiance. The amazing, wonderful man who loves him, waiting for him at home. He couldn't bring himself to look at the message. He could predict the loving, but slightly worried goodnight text. He placed his phone back down on the table screen down.

"You ok?" Minhyuk tilted his head to try to meet Kihyun's eyes again. "Not gonna respond?"

"No. It's not that important." Kihyun lied, feeling absolutely disgusting. "I'm ok. I just need to use the bathroom. I'll be back." He left his phone, wallet, and keys on the table with Minhyuk as he rushed to the bathroom. He needed to breathe and think a bit clearer.

"What are you doing?" He criticized his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He splashed cool water on his face and ran his now wet hands through his hair making it damp and exposing his forehead. Sighing deeply, he shook his head and went over to the urinal to relieve himself. This was too much for him to handle. He hung his head in shame as he zipped himself back up and walked back over to the sink to wash his hands.

Minhyuk entered the bathroom just as Kihyun had finally collected himself to leave. He walked over to Kihyun slowly. The brunette's breath hitched as his heart started beating inhumanely fast. His whole body tingled as Minhyuk finally closed the distance between them, pinning him against the counter. Their faces were so close and all Kihyun could focus on was the lips of the blonde in front of him. He wanted this so bad even though he knew it was wrong.

Minhyuk's lips met his gently at first as if it was a request. The feeling was like no other. Kihyun wanted so much more. He kissed back, pulling the blonde closer to him. In that moment, the kiss deepened and Minhyuk's tongue found it's way into Kihyun's mouth. Kihyun's hands moved under the taller boy's shirt, running over his firm stomach and up to his chest. Minhyuk let his hands roam down to Kihyun's butt, squeezing it.

"Wait!" Kihyun cried out pushing Minhyuk away from him. "This is wrong."

"Why is it wrong, angel?" Minhyuk used a finger under Kihyun's chin to gently lift his face back up.

"I'm engaged. That message I just got. It was from my fiance." Kihyun confessed as tears started to swell up in his eyes. Minhyuk moved to hold Kihyun's face in his hands, brushing the tears starting to fall away with his thumbs. Kihyun grabbed on to the wrists of the blonde as a short soothing kiss was placed on his lips.

"Please don't cry, Kiki." Minhyuk sighed sadly. "Come on. I already paid the bill. I have your things. Let's talk about this somewhere other than the bathroom." Minhyuk's playful tone and eye roll at the last statement made Kihyun let out a small chuckle followed by a small sniffle. He allowed Minhyuk to grab his hand and lead him out of the restaurant.

The whole way out Kihyun's thoughts turned to Shownu. His fiance deserved better than this. It wasn't that Kihyun didn't love him. He loves Shownu so much. They are so happy together. He always feels so loved and Shownu is sweet and kind to him. They had cheesy inside jokes. They could sit in comfortable silence and just enjoy each others company. There is a happy, loving contentment he feels with Shownu. The only thing was he didn't make Kihyun feel the butterflies and heart pounding excitement that Minhyuk always elicited.

Minhyuk had always been the love that was passionate and intense. When they were together it had always been exciting and...well...intense. They could never keep their hands off each other. He was so in love with Minhyuk that he forgave him way to easily for things that should've been unforgivable. He looked at the back of the blonde man's head. All of those feelings had come back the moment he heard that smoky voice, and saw those excited, playful eyes. They had stopped walking, but Kihyun was staring at the ground now. The two of them stood in the parking lot next to Minhyuk's car holding hands.

"What's his name?" Minhyuk prompted.

"Shownu." Kihyun smiled saying the name. "He's so good to me, Min-Min. I can't do this to him." A frown settled on his face as he finished speaking.

"Then don't." Minhyuk pulled Kihyun closer to him. "Break it off and come back to me. I've missed you so much. I regret breaking up so much. I still love you. You were and always will be my beautiful angel."

"I'm no angel. The fact that I'm even tempted to run away with you right now proves that." Kihyun shook his head trying to push the errant thoughts out.

"So, I'm the devil?" Minhyuk smirked.

"No, I am. I'm the bad guy here. For still being in love with you. For forgetting about my fiance. For-" Minhyuk cupped Kihyun's face in his hands and interrupted the rant with another passionate kiss. Kihyun exhaled through his nose roughly, giving in to the temptation for the moment. Minhyuk's soft lips were deliciously addicting. Kihyun's hands gripped on to Minhyuk's wrists to keep them from exploring elsewhere.

"Come back to me. You. Me. Us. We are inevitable. We always were." Minhyuk whispered as he broke the kiss. Kihyun's eyes fluttered open.

"No. I can't." Kihyun pulled away, putting some much needed distance between them. Fresh air finally entering his lungs and clearing up his cloudy thoughts. "Maybe it was inevitable...maybe we just wished it was."

"What do you mean?" Minhyuk asked confused. He took a step towards Kihyun to close the distance just to falter when the brunette flinched away.

"We are and always have been so toxic. Our relationship was toxic. We reminisced about all the good moments in there, but honestly the fights and breakdowns are what I remember the most. We were so in love that it blinded us to how horribly we treated each other. I spent so many nights crying myself to sleep over you. I can't-no I won't put myself though that again. Before I walked in I told myself just this once and I'm gonna stick to that."

"Kiki, I've changed. I'm different now. You deserved so much better. I'll completely admit that. I just want to be able to prove it to you. I want to be able to treat you like I should've when we were together. When I realized you were gone and weren't coming back...it broke me. Changed me. You were my everything and you were gone and I didn't know what to do." Minhyuk pleaded, tears flowing down his face ever since he started talking.

"I'm not so sure you've changed. And the reason I left was to break you. That's the toxic part. It was also cause I was finally sick of it. Of us. Of 'inevitable'. I'm going home to my fiance, Minhyuk." Kihyun turned to walk to his car. He knew it was going to hurt later, but he felt it was the right decision

"Do you love him?" The question caused Kihyun to hesitate for a moment. He felt Minhyuk's eyes on his back, impatiently waiting for the answer.

"I do. I love Shownu." Kihyun answered honestly, not even turning around. He hadn't lied. He really did love his fiance. He walked quicker to his car, praying that Minhyuk wasn't following him. He had no more strength to resist anymore.

Kihyun unlocked his car, getting in, and taking a deep shaky breath. He hit the steering wheel angrily with his hands a couple times. He couldn't believe he had let it get this far. He kissed him. He even made out with him in the bathroom like a horny teenager. He started the car and drove off, glancing one last time in the direction of where he had left Minhyuk. He knew it was wrong, but he wanted to see him one last time.

The drive home was silent and too short. He entered the apartment he shared with Shownu quietly as to not wake his fiance up. He took his shoes off at the front door. He was so happy and relieved to be home. He walked to their bedroom door and peeked in at the amazing, wonderful fiance of his. Kihyun smiled as his heart warmed up at the sight in front of him. Shownu's black hair was sticking up in places and his face was smooshed against the pillow in a way that looked so cute. His familiar snores sounded through the room. Kihyun loves this sleeping man so much.

The guilt hit in that moment. Kihyun was so disgusted with himself. He wanted to wash it all off. He wanted to be clean of Minhyuk's touch and smell. He felt the need to shower so strongly. He looked to see if there were enough clothes in the hamper to do a load as he stripped everything off. There was and he had never been this excited to see so much dirty clothes. He usually hated it and nagged at his fiance to help keep up with it.

He took the basket and dumped all the clothes into the washer, including the ones he had just been wearing. He poured in the right amount of detergent. He made a mental note to start it after he got out of the shower. He placed his phone on the counter of the bathroom. He turned the heat of the water up as high as it would go, trying to burn off all traces of the only man who could make his heart race. The phantom feeling of Minhyuk's thumbs brushing the backs of Kihyun's hands and the tears off his face refusing at first to leave. He wished Shownu could be the one to make him feel the butterflies. He wished his heart would race like that with his fiance.

Kihyun stepped out of the shower, drying himself off and putting his pajama bottoms on. He grabbed his phone and walked out to start the washer. The phone vibrated as he walked into the bedroom. That number, Minhyuk's number, appeared on the screen. He placed the phone on his nightstand and plugged it into the charger, ignoring it for now. He slipped under the covers and into his fiance's arms. This is where he belonged. Shownu stirred a bit, mumbling sleepily and pulling Kihyun closer into his chest. The strong arms around him causing him to finally relax.

Kihyun looked over at his phone on the nightstand. Against his better judgment, he picked it up and unlocked the screen staring at the two messages. The one from Shownu wondering how his errands were going, expressing worry at the late hour, explaining he was going to sleep, and finally being mushy about looking forward to waking up with Kihyun in his arms. A soft feeling spread through Kihyun's body. This is why he loves his fiance so much.

Minhyuk's desperate message: I'm glad you decided to meet up. I was being honest. I've changed. I miss you. Your angelic lips are still as enticing as ever. Please don't give up on us, cause I'm not. I'm still so in love with you.

Kihyun sighed deeply. Shownu's chest rose and fell against his back. He made his decision in the parking lot, but why did he feel like this wasn't over. It had to be. He picked his fiance. He decided to save Minhyuk's number in his phone. He told himself it would help him ignore the messages. He saved the previously forbidden number with just a puppy emoji. He locked his phone, placing back on the nightstand. He rolled over to face Shownu, tangling their legs together. Finally, Kihyun allowed himself to be lulled to sleep by the familiar sound of the man he loves snoring.

[shiroe-is-my-baby]

First Lunch Date?

Summary: The continuation of my first meet fic

W: self-insert, fluff, au

My heart pounded in my chest, glancing down at my phone screen. It was bright and teasing me, a picture of me and a friend smiling back at me. It was not the emotion that I was feeling at this very moment. I was feeling anxious and nervous. I always felt a similar feeling when making a phone call, but this time it was completely different. This phone call wasn’t for work. It was a personal call. One that shook me to the very core for lots of different reasons.

I don’t know why I haven’t called him until now.

I’ve been wanting to try to call Shiroe for days. But I couldn’t find the courage to do so. I didn’t know what I would say or where I would even invite him. I hadn’t talked to him since that day a couple weeks ago when he and I met. Not a single text, other than the quick message telling me that it was his number. Some days I’d open my phone and stare at the message, hoping I’d gain the balls to call him.

But, unfortunately, I end up chickening out.

Not today. This was going to be the day that I call, even if I had to have a friend force me. I needed to get in touch with him before I lost my chance. Since the day we met, all I could think about was how nice he was and how quickly we hit it off. I couldn’t help but wonder what could happen. Even if we didn’t become anything more, I would love to at least be friends with him.

Although, I did really like him. He makes my heart race even when I don’t even know anything about him. All I knew was his name and that he was extremely cute.

I bit my lip at the thought, not even noticing that I had started smiling like an idiot. I felt like such a love struck teenager, rolling my eyes and smacking my cheek to wake me up. “Get it together, Ash,” I told myself, “Just pick up the phone and call. It’s that simple.” Clutching the phone in my hands, I kept up this mantra as I scampered onto my terrace. It was a spot that I went to think and write and sometimes read.

I like to sit up here and have coffee, staring at the people below. The internet is also extremely high in this spot, which also makes it perfect to type up some things. I like to listen to the howling of the wind and the sounds of the city. It’s strangely soothing. It’s also a perfect spot to sit and stargaze, which I do frequently.

Hopefully, if I sit up here, it’ll help me make this god damn phone call.

Breathing a heavy sigh, I plopped down into my chair with my phone in hand. I stared down at the contact, feeling my heart in my throat. This was it. This was the moment. It was just a guy. Nothing that could kill me by making this phone call. The worst he could say is no. He seemed interested on the street. It shouldn’t be this scary.

But my anxiety is not letting me relax.

Before I started to change my mind, I closed my eyes and listened to the dial tone. It seemed to ring for a long time, which was normal for most phone calls. He’s probably just busy. Yeah… that’s probably it. I sucked in a deep breath, feeling my heart stop the moment I heard his voice.

“Hello?”

“Hey, uh… Shiroe? This is Ashley… from a couple weeks ago.”

There was a small silence that followed that made my heart sink. Did he forget about me already? This was going to be super awkward if he did. “Hey,” He said quickly after clearing his throat, “How are you?” I smiled, biting my lower lip. I hoped that I wasn’t interrupting anything.

“I’m doing great. Paying more attention on the street and not getting run over.”

Shiroe laughed, “That’s good. I would hate to see your face on the news before I got to know you.”

My cheeks turned a bright pink, not expecting this kind of playful banter right off the bat. But it was wonderful. This was similar to when we first met, immediately falling into conversation without much of a problem. Although, sometimes there would be a pause when the two of us became nervous and forgot what we were talking about.

“I’m not calling at a bad time, am I?” I asked.

“No, you’re fine. It was actually perfect timing.”

“Really? Well, in that case, are you free?”

I didn’t mean for that to come out as quick as it did. I wanted to slowly slide into the conversation that I wanted to see him. It seemed a little urgent, and a tad bit too excited. Huffing a sigh, I tried to conceal my disappointment, listening hard to his response. I couldn’t have messed it up already.

“Yeah,” He said, and I could hear a smile in his tone of voice, “I’m not busy… if you want to go out for lunch?”

“Sounds great. I’m super hungry.”

He and I laughed in unison, an awkward silence following. The two of us started being our usual selves, unsure of how to continue the conversation. There was the silence when neither of us could speak. It happens without fail.

Shiroe finally broke the silence, telling me that he’d send me an address to a place downtown we could go. I recognized the name of the cafe, surprised that he would suggest it. The place was one that I go to on some occasion when I need a breather and some coffee. They also have a really good lunch menu. It isn’t large, and it’s only a place for a light meal, but it’s perfect during my lunch breaks.

We agreed on a time to meet up, quickly hanging up to finish and head out. When I hung up the phone, I let out a small ‘yes’ under my breath. I was more excited than I let on, not wanting to seem insane. But it was the first date I’d had in a while, and it was with someone who I genuinely clicked with. Even if he and I barely knew each other, it was a strange feeling. It’s like knowing someone all your life.

But I wanted to spare the cheesy details for now.

It could just be a fantasy in my head.

Which, it probably was.

I ran up to my mirror, adjusting my hair and sliding on my shoes. I didn’t have a whole lot of time to change into something more attractive, but that was probably for the best. A first date as an adult didn’t have to be one that I dressed up for. Just something cute would be enough. Shiroe didn’t look like the kind of guy that would care anyway. At least, I hoped not.

Giving myself a few quick sprays of my favorite perfume, I smiled to myself and spun on my heels. I gave myself a quick pep talk as I swiped my keys off the entry table and rushed out of the door. Although, a couple seconds later I had to go running back inside to grab my wallet. I’m always forgetting things in a state of hurry, and today was not going to be one of those days.

The streets were still as busy, but this time I found myself not caring about that. The only thing I focused on was getting to the cafe without fainting. My heart kept pounding in my chest with excitement, and I felt a bit strange. It was just a date. A lunch date at that. This might even just be a friendly outing in his eyes. Nothing but two acquaintances getting to know each other.

That thought didn’t stop my heart from wandering.

When I made it to the cafe, I caught eyes with a familiar man just about to enter. I felt my face burn bright when I saw Shiroe smile and wave in my direction. “Today’s just full of perfect timing, huh?” I said with a wink, approaching him.

“Yeah, looks like it.”

He held the door open for me, allowing me to slide passed him inside. The familiar smell of coffee wafted the air, and the small sound of conversation hit my eardrums. The cafe was busy with others who were having lunch with friends or just catching up on work in a little corner of the room. I always loved the sound of the busy people and their conversation. It explained why I use the terrace to think.

Shiroe and I picked a spot near the back beside the window, immediately ordering drinks. I wanted to get a coffee, but nothing too strong. I rarely drink it, and when I do it’s usually a cappuccino. Something light and not too bland. Although, Shiroe just got a tea, which didn’t strike me as strange. He didn’t look like a coffee guy.

I plopped down into seat with my drink in hand, sipping the warm cup as my eyes wandered the city outside. “Thanks for agreeing to see me,” I said, cursing myself for how formal that was. We weren’t making a business deal! Why did I have to sound like that? Clearing my throat, I lowered my head and forced myself to forget that happened.

“Sure,” He said, “It beats having lunch alone.”

“Yeah… And I would have had to cook, so…”

He laughed, raising an eyebrow as he raised his drink to his lips. “You don’t like cooking?” I shook my head immediately, laughing at my own response.

“Not at all. If I could afford my own cook or order take out for the rest of my life, I would.”

“I’m not too good either.”

We laughed again, settling into the conversation with a new calmness. I no longer felt nervous or awkward. In fact, there was no longer any feeling like that any more. After we started getting to know each other, I didn’t worry too much about how I sounded or when I wasn’t talking. There honestly wasn’t a moment when we weren’t talking.

I asked him a lot of questions, and he asked me things. Usually standard questions that someone would ask an acquaintance. Although, a lot of times the conversation would flow to another topic. Just like when we first met, we covered a lot of ground in what seemed like a quick time. I didn’t even bother to check my phone, enveloped in the man’s eyes in front of me.

Every time his eyes would catch mine I swore that I felt my heart flutter. I tried to ignore it, even though it was painfully obvious. Shiroe had nice eyes, though. I caught myself thinking that every time I’d get to stare at them. Which I made it a point to do every chance I got. Sometimes he’d catch my gaze and hold it, talking to me with heavy eye contact. Something that always drove me crazy.

“You have really beautiful eyes,” He said, practically beating me to it.

“Th-Thanks… I was honestly thinking the same thing about you.”

The comment completely spilled out without any more thought. My face turned red at the realization that I had said it, but I held it together. Shiroe too seemed to blush a little, hiding it quickly through a smile. He sipped the drink in front of him, pursing his lips and chuckling nervously.

“I’m really glad you called. It was nice to spend some time with you,” He said, “I liked getting to know you.”

“Yeah… It was. We should do it again sometime.”

“That sounds really nice.”

I blushed and glanced back down at the table. My cheeks felt hot and my heart was heavy in my chest. I really liked Shiroe already and I barely even knew him. This was going to be a long process. Was I ready for it? Shiroe seemed interested to know me, and that in itself was very nice.

We finished our lunch and quickly made it out before he had to get back to work. We walked together as far as we could, Shiroe telling me about himself a little bit more. I was so intrigued to here everything he had to say. I hung on every word, giving him my full attention.

He gave me a gentle smile, giving me a polite goodbye. “I’ll see you later,” He said. I nodded, waving goodbye while my cheeks still burned. It was a nice first date, if I could call it that. Shiroe seemed to be interested, but I didn’t want to think too much into it yet. For now, he would be just a good friend. Until I could work up the courage and see just where our paths lead.

[chikarubys-blog]

i guess it was always you. - chapter 1

summary: AU where you get a tattoo whenever you fall in love - You and Riko never got off to the right start, but fate seemed to always intervene in their agreement of mutual hatred.

ships: mainly youriko, side kanaruby and yohamari

ao3 link

Riko had thrown out everything.

The sheets she slept next to her in, the hair clip she always told her she loved, the books she bought for her, and even some of the clothes she was fondest of.

If she could help it, she’d never be reminded of her again.

The only thing she had left was her rose.

-

You watched as yet another girl throw a tantrum.

��You know what? I’m sick of this! I’m sick of you pretending, and sneaking out to bars every night- yes, I know you sneak out!”

You was honestly expecting she’d snap earlier. This one was too uptight.

“I’m done with you! This tattoo is easily the worst thing to ever happen to me!”

Oh, she’d heard that line too many times for it to hurt anymore.

“Bye, You.” The door slammed.

Second one this month.

They said to be weary of people with too many tattoos- they’ll steal your heart, and break it just as easily.

Well, in You’s case, they were wrong.

-

Riko tapped her shoe against the table, groaning. Her date was supposed to be here a few minutes ago, and punctuality was key for any relationship.

(At least, that was what the website had said.)

She rubbed her neck worriedly, trying to distract herself, subconsciously covering up her tattoo. When she realized what she was doing, she threw her hand onto the table.

Acceptance. Acceptance. Acceptance. That was important.

(That was also what the website had said.)

Finally, she showed up. She was in a leather jacket and somewhat baggy jeans, with hair brushed through a few times and circles under her eyes. “Sup.”

“You looked hotter in your profile.”

The other girl scoffed. “What a wonderful thing to say on a first date.”

Riko turned her head to the side. “You were late and you probably prepared within 30 seconds. If you won’t go by first date formalities, I won’t, either.”

“Fair enough.” She sat down at her seat and pulled the chair in. “Even, then?”

“Hardly,” Riko responded, but held out her hand. “Riko Sakurauchi. You?”

She grinned lopsidedly, high-fiving the hand instead of shaking it. “You Watanabe. Pleasure’s all mine.”

“Definitely.”

-

Well, the date went about as well as it started.

Insults were shot across the table, shocking other customers, thinking them as mortal enemies instead of possible lovers. However, they both seemed to enjoy it; it took the pressure off, for Riko, and it was simply new to You.

“Then I suppose it’s mutual - I never want to see you ever again.”

“Awh, babe, this was so fun though!”

“Spare me the sarcasm, You Wannabe.”

“That’s not my name and you know it.”

Riko grabbed her purse and walked off, flipping her hair over her shoulder, ignoring anything else You may have shouted behind her. She was tempted to flip her off, but she thought a lady should never do such a thing.

(As she saw in the reflective glass of the restaurant windows, however, You had no such qualms.)

-

Kanan sighed, putting her face in her hands. “I’ve never seen a relationship, even for you, end so quickly.”

“It was never technically a relationship, you know.”

Kanan glared at her. “You know what I mean. Come on, you have to put some effort in to find someone you love.”

You sighed, resting her hands behind her head. “I date to find love, but it never works out, and I go on new adventures,” she responded.

“You have to give them more than a day or two of chance, You! I don’t believe you expect to love anyone; you have to believe it to see it, you know.” Kanan crossed her arms. “My tattoo didn’t appear for Ruby until a few years had passed!”

“I could never wait that long, and you know it.”

Kanan sighed. “Promise me you’ll at least try next time?”

You nodded, but they both knew she was lying. Kanan was too annoyed to say anything further.

Kanan’s phone rang from inside her purse, and as soon as she checked the screen, she broke into a smile. “Hey, honey!”

Gross.

Kanan smiled wider, nodding, even though the recipient couldn’t see her. “Yes, yes, good- Dia won’t be chaperoning, will she?” She laughed, a smile warm on her face. “No, I was just kidding, I know that was just a one-time thing; you can’t blame me for teasing you for it, though, can you?”

Kanan looked so unbelievably happy, talking to Ruby. Absentmindedly, You looked down at her arm to see her tattoo; an unnaturally pink cat, closed eyed and joyful.

At that moment, she wanted a soulmate more than ever.

So undeniably gross.

Kanan hung up, stuffing her phone away. Her eyes gleamed in anticipation. “Hey, You, guess where we’re going tonight?”

-

She hated this outfit. There were too many frills and not enough skin-covering fabric. The skirt stopped just below mid-thigh, making for a perfectly uncomfortable outfit. She had to resist the urge to hold it down. Did maids even actually wear this anymore? Did they even exist anymore? For how often she’d seen one, they were just as mythical as unicorns, or perhaps dinosaurs, if they did once roam.

“You ready, Riko?”

Riko grumbled, looking up and glaring at Mari. “I hate Thursdays.”

Mari grinned, winking. “You know, without Thursdays, there’s no Friday!”

“How in the world is Friday any better.”

As if on cue, Yohane shot out of her dressing room. “It’s devil night Friday, of course!” She, of course, was also dressed as a maid, but she had black tights where Riko had white skin. Riko grumbled in jealousy; if she got these privileges, she’d date Mari any day.

“So beautiful, Yohane! As one of your little devils, I’m simply in awe!” Mari fanned herself, obviously exaggerating. “Oh, Yohane, what can I do to ever be noticed by you?”

Riko corrected herself; no, she would never date Mari in a million years.

As much as she loved her friends, they could go over the top. On Thursdays, at Mari’s Diner, it was maid night; may as well put a neon flashing sign on the restaurant, “PEDOPHILIC MEN’S NIGHT!” They did have the flashing sign, but it would never say anything to dement the business.

The one thing she can be thankful for tonight is that if men even reach a hand up to touch her, Yohane or Mari will come in, guns blazing- or, fists blazing. Mari’s Diner has a reputation for being dangerously sexy, but if you take action, you’ll get a fist to the face.

Plus, whenever there was a girl’s table, she would be sent over there. Perhaps they knew she couldn’t handle herself as well as them.

This night, however, it worked against her.

She approached her table after being pushed out of the kitchen by Mari. “Hi, how can I help you?” A familiar face turned toward her. First, the girl was all smiles, then her face dropped into confusion for a moment, then complete nonchalance.

“Oh, hi.” Honestly, it was just her luck.

Riko looked down in masked surprise to see her earlier date. Her smile suddenly seemed more forced than usual. “Here are the menus; would you like to start out with something to drink?” She tried to bend over as less as possible as she passed the menus around, as not to expose her. She could feel a blush seeping into her cheeks.

“Ah, yes, waters are fi-”

“Who’s outfit is awful now?”

Riko blinked in surprise. She’d thought it was mutual; they’d pretend they didn’t know each other. “Excuse me?”

You smirked, while Kanan watched on in horror and Ruby in confusion.

“You, you can’t say that to our waitress-”

Kanan’s muttered words were cut off as You continued. “I may have had dirty clothes, but they were dirty in the sense of dirt, not like…. This.”

Riko’s blush only grew. “Ma’am, this was my company’s decision-”

“Come on, enough with the excuses. At least I’m wearing something decent.”

Riko’s eyebrows raised, and she said nothing as Kanan took You by the hood, blabbering apologies, and slapped a hundred dollar bill on the table. “I’m terribly sorry, I need to go have a talk with my-” she turned her head to You- “friend outside.”

And so Riko was left, stunned, with only a redhead at the table, laughing nervously.

“H-hi…”

Riko smiled apologetically at the girl. “Sorry, me and that girl….. We had an altercation earlier. Would you like to request a new waitress?”

Ruby’s eyes flicked to the door, and shook her head. “N-no…. I promise, after she talks her down, You will be much more polite.”

The waitress nodded, still standing at the table. “Well then, would you like something to drink?”